October 2016 Current Magazine

october 2016 | FREE

s f e h C y t Ci ULTURE C | T R A | IC S U M

Local culinary masters invite us into their kitchens

P6

Fall Cocktail Mixologist Tammy Coxen’s

Stamps Lecture A new season of talks from the country’s

P19

P30

special fall recipe

Mikette Bistro Fine French food minus the attitdue P20

most creative minds

Playwright’s Festival Local writers shine on stage P32

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contents

October 2016 vol. 26/no. 10

Washtenaw County Literacy Program 18

Learning a language and building a community

by Jacqueline Bull

Michigan Playwrights’ Festival 32 Local writers and actors take center stage

by Lauren James

Dining Guide 6

Local Chefs are cooking up incredible food this fall

bar: Fall Cocktail 19

Mixologist Tammy Coxen shares her homemade recipe

by Zach Marburger

food: Mikette Bistro 20

French fare at the newest restaurant in town

by Sonny Forrest

music: A creative co-op 24 A creative co-op

by Jeff Milo

30 art: Stamps Lecture Preview A look ahead at a brand new season

by Louis W. Meldman

34 theater: The Full Monty

Encore Musical Theatre’s stripped down production

by Sandor Slomovits

41 cannabis

october

online exclusives

ECURRENT.COM Current Forecast

by Brian LaBenne Listen to music coming to Washtenaw before you have to buy tickets.

Ann Arbor Art Center at it again

by Louis W. Meldman New shows from the Ann Arbor Art Center bring fall to life.

45 astrology 46 crossword Correction: In September’s Locally Grown section, we attributed

an answer to the question, “What does Heroism mean to you?” to Becky Winkler Dhakal of Cardamom Restaurant. The answer should have been attributed to Claire Broderick of Sprig Hair Studio 21.

In the same section, we refered to the owner of A2Yoga, Dina Sheldon, by her maiden name. We regret the errors.

ecurrent.com / october 2016 3

Adams Street Publishing Co.  Buy some Bo U-M fans can’t get enough of the Michigan Man. Bo, a retail and apparel store inspired by the late Coach Schembechler, has opened at 333 S. Main St. The location is based off of a partnership between Underground Printing and the Schembechler estate.  Bed and Butter gone Speaking of 333 S. Main St., Bed and Butter, which formerly occupied the space, has moved in with Rock Paper Scissors store at 216 S. Main.  Pizza on stage Domino’s Pizza is opening up a new store on the corner of State and Packard, and this location comes with a twist; the new layout of the store will be reminiscent of a theater, with employees and pizza on a raised stage so customers can watch their pizza be made.  Freighthouse Relaunch Great news for fans of Ypsi history — the historic Ypsilanti Freighthouse is tentatively scheduled to open this month as a space to be available for rental as a hall for weddings and other large gatherings.  New apartments coming Even more apartments are coming to Dixon Rd. in North Ann Arbor. The Woodbury Club Apartments have been approved and will start being built on the empty lot near M-14.

What are you cooking when you’re trying to impress?

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) Navarin D’Agneau

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) Coq au vin

Editorial

Assignment Editor: Zach Marburger (annarboreditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Cauliflower Fried Rice Calendar Editor: Virginia Parry (calendar@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Scrambled Eggs Calendar: Jacqueline Bull (inerna2@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Lemon Raspberry Scones Contributing Writers: Sandor Slomovits, Louis Meldman, Tim Malik, Jeff Milo, M.F. DiBella, Rob Brezsny, Tami Sackett, Heidi Philipsen, Evan Rosen, Cammie Finch, Ken Wachsberger, Nan Bauer, Chris Crowder, Sonny Forrest, Vic Tanny, Adam Theisen, Lauren James, Sarah Matthews

Digital Media Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) I order Pizza

Art/Production

Production Manager: Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Chicken Divan Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Carrot Cake Design: Ashley Crapsey (acrapsey@adamsstreetpubliching.com Grandmas Chilli Design Intern Heidi Liu

Advertising  Metal on the Move Vicki Honeyman, owner of Heavenly Metal and Vicki’s Wash and Wear, announced she’s moving to a new location at 208 N. 4th Avenue, the former location of Dogma Catmantoo, with a grand opening set for the beginning of October.

Sales Catherine Bohr (calendar@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Anything in a crock pot Sales Coordinator Jen Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com Chicken Paillard Pizzette Classifieds: Cassie Haddad (cassie@adamsstreetpublishing.com Cacao and Coconut Macaroons

Administration  Eve flooded Popular upscale restaurant Eve, located at the Bell Tower Hotel at 300 Thayer St., will be shut down until December due to flooding.  21 and older It’s official: the City of Ann Arbor has voted to raise the minimum age to purchase all tobacco products to 21, up from 18.  New Session The Session Room is now open at 3685 Jackson Rd., featuring 70 beers on tap and a full menu.

Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com) Apple Stuffed Pork Chops

© 2016 by Adams Street Publishing Co., All rights reserved.

3003 Washtenaw Ave., Suite 3, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, Phone (734) 668-4044, Fax (734) 668-0555.

First class subscriptions $30 a year. Distributed throughout Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and neighboring communities.

Also publishers of:

Member

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DRINK. EAT. SHOP Poetry in the park The National Park Service turned 100 years old on August 26 with celebrations across the country. Here in Michigan, a low-key commemoration has been staged at three National Parks around the state with works by poet and artist Moheb Soliman at Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pictured Rocks and Isle Royale. The placards, disguised to look like standard State Park information boards, will provide a surprise for hikers stopping to read. —ZM

Downtown Ypsilanti Scan for map of Downtown!

facebook.com/DAYpsi

fyi

For Women Writers Women Writers of Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti (or

WWAAY) is a local group of like-minded individuals working together to encourage women to write, network and, eventually, to be published. All of those goals will be front and center during the 2016 WWAAY Fall Conference.

Women interested in improving their writing skills can attend workshops devoted to young adult writing, poetry and more.

Instructional seminars will include how to market a book on social media and how to catch an agent or publisher’s eye with a professional manuscript. For information and to register, visit wwaay.com. —ZM

ecurrent.com / october 2016 5

special advertising section

s f e h C City Logan RESTAURANT Thad Gillies Executive Chef

115 W. Washington St. 734-327-2312 logan-restaurant.com

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Chef Chad Gillies is no stranger to Ann Arborites with an appetite.

After serving as the Executive Chef at Zingerman’s Deli for 10 years, he left for New York City to learn from some of the world’s best chefs (including Gray Kunz, a member of the Restaurant Hall of Fame).

Combining Southeast Michigan sourcing knowledge with classical training, Chef Gillies and his Logan team are serving up classic-inspired cuisine like the Confit of Duck Leg. “It represents the old world way of cooking, and I do it very traditionally,” Gillies explains. “The duck we get is just gorgeous. We always get them fresh from Culver Duck Company. We start with whole duck, and butcher them down, focusing on the legs. And we make this salt with herbs — a lot of parsley, thyme, peppercorns and bay leaves all ground up — and it makes a bright green salt marinade which we apply to the meat side of the duck and let it sit overnight, for around 20 hours.”

Since last year’s dining guide, we’ve been chomping at the bit to talk more with Washtenaw County’s talented chefs.

Now local Chefs and Restaurateurs sat down with us to talk about their food, the Washtenaw County dining scene, new menu items, and what to eat during game day.

Dig in!

Confit is a low and slow cooking process, using fat to cook the duck at 200 degrees for around 10 hours, which Chef Gillies does about once a week. It originates from an old school method of meat preservation, back before refrigeration, and embodies the classical style of cooking and presentation at Logan.

“I cook every day on the line,” said Gillies, who added that the confit is served with organic Michigan fingerling potatoes, cipollini onions, asparagus, grapes, and a duck sauce seasoned with ground mustard, all sourced, when possible, from local sources. “We’re chef-driven, and everything we do is from scratch up to the point that we serve it. This dish just really exemplifies the process of how much work it takes to get our food to the plate.”

special advertising section PHOTO CREDIT: BRETT MOYER

the pretzel bell

Brett Stevens General Manager 226 S. Main St. 734-994-2773 thepretzelbell.com Ask anyone who attended U-M back the in the day, and they’ll probably have one or two fond, if hazy, memories about late nights spent snacking on peanuts and pints at The P-Bell. This spring, after 30 years with no P-Bell (as it’s affectionately referred to) in Ann Arbor, The Pretzel Bell is back with an updated, more family friendly vibe — but with plenty of good times still to be had.

“We’re really happy to be in the community,” said Bett Stevens, General Manager of The Pretzel Bell. “It’s been a great start. Now that the students and faculty are back, we’re really happy to introduce ourselves to as many people as possible.”

That introduction will come during (what else?) U-M football Saturdays, and the good times will take place downstairs at the sports bar, which Stevens says is designed for the ultimate gameday experience.

“It’s great, because we’re heading into the sports season now that U-M is back,” Stevens said. “We’ve got 20 TV’s, and a huge sports package, so we’re pretty much able to show all the games at once.”

And game days wouldn’t be complete without shareable, tasty dishes. Stevens highlighted his favorite, a new menu item this fall that goes well with a big group of friends and a pitcher of beer.

“My favorite appetizer is the Meat and Potatoes, which is our french fries covered in short ribs, blue cheese and fried parsnips,” Stevens said. “It’s really delicious. The shredded short rib is absolutely fantastic.”

Pair that with one of The Pretzel Bells’ game day specials — their “go blue” deal, where Johnnie Walker Blue is on special $20 off per pour after a U-M football win, stands out — and alumni with memories as well as new students both have a tasty new place to cheer on their team.

cont. on pg 8

ecurrent.com / october 2016 7

special advertising section

cont. FROM pg 7

Vinology Adam Galloway Executive Chef

110 S. Main St. 734-222-9841 vinologya2.com Chef Adam Galloway has a reputation for serving innovative and, most importantly, delicious “wine-friendly world cuisine” at Vinology.

His childhood working on his grandparents farm makes him vigilantly seasonal and his background in biology and chemistry makes him something of a culinary mad scientist. All of which led to his latest dessert creation, Chicago Corn.

“At Christmas time your grandma gets you that tub of popcorn that has the buttered popcorn, caramel popcorn and cheese popcorn.

That was the inspiration behind this dish,” said Chef Adam, who added that the corn is all from his “corn guy” at Geddes Farm in Saginaw. Think of a popcorn dessert — without using any actual popcorn.

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“It’s made from hominy corn, which we puree and make into a dough with tapioca starch. We roll it out paper thin, steam it for about thirty seconds until it becomes clear. We take that dough and let it dry overnight and fry it at 450 degrees so it pops up just like corn would,” Chef Adam said.

This crispy number is accompanied by lavender panna cotta, some dulce de leche accents and white cheddar cheese ice cream.

The ice cream is made in-house with liquid nitrogen to keep it creamy and fresh.

“As soon as the ingredient is at the peak of freshness, that’s when we like to change things up and start adding new things. Harvest season is one of my favorite times of the year. Everything is coming,” Chef Adam explained.

special advertising section

northside

grill

Jim Koli Owner

For eleven years Chef Thad has prepared every plate served at Logan.

For eleven years Chef Thad has prepared Experience the true meaning of Chef Driven our small, every plateinserved at intimate Logan. dining room.

Experience the true meaning of chef-driven in our small, intimate dining room.

115 W Washington St. Ann Arbor, MI

1015 Broadway St. 734-995-0965 northsidegrill.com The variety, the ambiance and the short walk from dinner to drinking — it’s easy to get sucked into downtown Ann Arbor when looking for a good meal and a night on the town. But what about the following morning?

That’s when Ann Arborites that know their stuff stop by Northside Grill, just north of the river. Having worked at Gandy Dancer and Dooley’s (now Scorekeepers), Owner Jim Koli has learned to pay attention to his customers and deliver exactly what they want.

“We want people to journey over the bridge,” Kooli said. “I’m waiting on people now that were kids when I started (in 1993) and now they have kids of their own. It’s just about listening and being consistent. Everyone wants breakfast like their mom used to make it.”

Moms that can pull off meals like The Huron Sampler don’t come around too often. Loaded with hash browns, eggs, bacon, sausage, corned beef hash and toast or a biscuit, it’s a typical Northside Grill meal — simple, satisfying, and sure to leave you stuffed.

“It’s all comfort food,” Kooli said. “Our big thing is we’re not the cheapest breakfast in town, but we’re affordable, and we want to fill you up; we want to see you satisfied. If we do, you might come back.”

This October, try it out or get adventurous during Halloween Weekend, where the menu turns spooky as Northside dishes out items like “The Blood Skillet” or “The Great Pumpkin Cakes.”

Cont. on pg 10

logan-restaurant.com (734) 327-2312

115 W Washington St. • Ann Arbor, MI 734.327.2312 • logan-restaurant.com ecurrent.com / october 2016 9

special advertising section

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cont. FROM pg 9

Weber’s

Open 7am-3pm, Seven Days a Week.

IN WASHTENAW COUNTY IN 2016 "ROADWAY s (at the foot of the Broadway Bridge)

View the full menu at NorthSideGrill.com

TAILGATING STARTS AT

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People come from all over to taste Weber’s Prime Rib, with good reason — even Chef Jeremy Caroen, who arrived at Weber’s eight years ago, is a convert. “I’d never been a fan of prime rib, to be honest,� Chef Caroen said. “But I love ours.�

Weber’s has been doing prime rib since the ‘50s, and their process hasn’t changed much, said Chef Caroen, who described it as timeintensive and very involved. “It comes down to the way we handle the meat. When you’re dealing with a roast, it’s 90 percent handling. Ours is wet-aged, and we let the juices come out naturally on sheet trays, let the meat rest for about 4-5 days.�

Resting the beef seals in the juices, so that as the prime rib is cooked, the beef stays moist and tender, and the plate doesn’t turn into a mess.

But prime rib, while a traditional favorite, isn’t the only thing on the menu. Chef Caroen has been working for years to put his stamp on classics like the Lobster Maryland. “We use jumbo lump blue crab meat from the East Coast,� Caroen said. “We mix it with egg, sherry, seasoning, mayonnaise, and we’ll halfway cook the lobster, stuff it, and put the glacage on top, which is another sauce, and it just bakes up beautifully.�

special advertising section

Wolverine State Brewery Co

Tim Delany Pitmaster

2019 W. Stadium Blvd.

734-369-2990 wolverinebeer.com

If you’re stopping by Wolverine State Brewing Company, chances are you’re there because after tasting their beer, you’re thirsty for another pint. But Wolverine State, led by Pitmaster Tim Delany, also serves delicious BBQ to match their brews.

Delany has manned the smoker for the past two and a half years and described the process for Wolverine’s smoked pulled pork, which they use to top the “2019 Nachos.”

“I come into work, even in the dead of winter, and get to start a fire in the morning. That’s a pretty nice way to start your day.

Depending on what I am going to smoke determines what wood to use. Some of the rubs already have some sweet in them, so cherry is kind of over the top. Apple is nice, it gives things a spiciness. The cherry, which I use for making our salsa, has almost a cinnamon quality when it’s paired with peppers. For the pork, it’s kind of a two-fold thing. Hickory possesses high BPU’s, so it helps to get the smoker and the iron up to temperature quicker, plus it gives that classic hickory flavor. I smoke the meat for four hours, flipping it one time halfway through. After smoking, (it cooks) a very consistent 200 degree temperature overnight, for about 18 hours.”

The nachos ( according to Delany, Wolverine’s most ordered item) feature smoked pork with a completely different take on nachos — blue corn tortilla chips, with muenster cheese.

“We make our own Guac and pico di gallo, served with our smoked salsa, that’s pretty amazing,” Delany said. “The salsa was just an epiphany — I decided to throw some tomatoes and pepper in a hotel pan and smoke them off. If you haven’t tried it, you should. The nachos are kind of over the top, but they’re hugely popular.”

This fall, dive into a plate of nachos on game day which, along with a tall brew (possibly their seasonal Oktoberfest?), is sure to satisfy the BBQ carnivore.

PHOTO

CREDIT: BRETT

MOYER

cont. on pg 12

ecurrent.com / october 2016 11

special advertising section cont. FROM pg 11

Paesano David Whitney Head Chef

3411 Washtenaw Ave. 734-971-0484 paesanosannarbor.com Bringing fine Italian dining to the Midwest is not a simple task, but it is one Chef David Whitney is well suited for. Having grown up in Michigan, worked every job in the business from dishwasher on up, and trained under celebrated Italian Chef Isabella Nicoletti, Chef Whitney is uniquely poised to balance big Midwestern appetites with traditional Italian fare.

“Growing up in the Midwest, I have a better feel for what people in this area are going to eat,” said Whitney, who attended culinary school at Washtenaw Community College. “So we sometimes scale back a little on the classic stuff to appeal to what customers want.”

That is not to say that Chef Whitney and his team at Paesano shy away from classic Italian cuisine — take for instance the Braised Ox-Tail, part of their new fall menu roll out.

“It’s a common dish in Italy this time of year,” Whitney explained.

“Our braised ox-tail with an apricot mostarda, it’s kind of different and unique.

That’s one thing you’d find in Italy this time of year is braised meat,” Whitney said.

That ox-tail is served with onions, celery and braised lacinato — a black kale, long popular in Tuscan kitchens — as well as garlic mashed potatoes, a side that makes some of the less familiar foods on the plate less intimidating.

Chef Whitney puts his own local stamp on the dish by sourcing almost everything from local farmers in Michigan and Northern Ohio.

“I’ll give them a call at the beginning of a menu and see what they’ve got,” Chef Whitney said. “The majority of the time I come up with a menu and then call around and try to source it. They (the farmers) either come in the back door and drop it off or I go get it.”

Keep an eye out for Paesano’s special farmto-table dinners, where Chef Whitney prowls the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market and cooks a unique meal from whatever he finds that day, as well as Paesano’s holiday celebrations

Fall Flavor Ann Arbor mixologist shares recipe for refreshment SEE PAGE 19

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Dan’s

special advertising section

Downtown Tavern

Dan Kolander Owner

103 E. Michigan Ave., Saline 734-429-3159 facebook.com/DANSBARS There are several places in downtown Saline to grab a burger or a slice of pizza, and Dan Kolander, owner of Dan’s Downtown Tavern, has an idea why the local restaurant scene is booming.

“We have always gone with a homemade theory for our salsa, corn chips, burgers, etc.,” Kolander said. “About five other places have copied us, so it must be working.”

The homemade and handcrafted feel at Dan’s starts with their signature Peanut Butter Burger, which Kolander has been eating since he was a kid.

“The peanut burger was presented to me by my Dad when I was about 10 years old,” Kolander said. “He made the burger on the grill, threw some Jif peanut butter on it with a few pieces of bacon and fresh cheddar cheese.”

Kolander has turned that family recipe into a staple at Dan’s, and he has worked to perfect the dish, and other menu offerings, by using locally sourced ingredients.

“When I opened the restaurant, the first place I called was Knight’s Market in Ann Arbor and asked them to deliver fresh ground beef,” Kolander said. “I order my burger and hoagie buns from Benny’s Bakery in Saline, and the produce comes from Frog Holler.”

Now, after creating a burger sensation in Saline, Kolander is turning his attention to other areas of culinary interest. In order to cope with his customer’s demand, he recently expanded his kitchen, adding a new pizza oven and a char grill. A bigger kitchen means more treats on the menu, like fresh pasta dishes, steaks, ribs, salads.

“There isn’t a good steak in this town,” said Kolander. “ (Now) there will be.”

Burgers, steaks and pizza — sounds like it’s time to head to Saline. cont. on pg 14

ecurrent.com / october 2016 13

special advertising section

Jet’s pizza

Jason Povlich Owner

cont. FROM pg 13

506 N. Main St., Chelsea 734-433-9700 jetspizza.com Pretty much everyone in Michigan has heard of Jet’s Pizza, but unless you’ve stopped by Jason Povlich’s location in the heart of Chelsea, you’ve never seen a franchise that looks anything like this.

“I’ve been in the restaurant business for 25 years,” said Povlich, who opened his franchise nine years ago as just a typical carryout and delivery-style Jet’s location. When the space next door opened up, Pavolich sensed an opportunity to stand out among the crowd.

“We took over the space next to us and opened a restaurant, and then the craft beer renaissance started happening,” Povlich said. Their restaurant next door, which originally housed just six taps, has grown to 47 taps of mostly Michigan-made craft brews. “There was such a variety out there that we wanted to provide that, and at the same time we wanted to flex our chests a little bit and say, ‘Look, we have almost 50 beers on tap.’ ” The chance to sit down and have a beer with some of Jet’s famous deep-dish pizza was a surprising treat to be sure, but Povlich wanted to give back something more to both the local and international community. To do so, he converted his office into what’s now known as “The Rumpus Room,” where he and his team host open mic and blues nights. The advanced sound system allows them to host bigger shows in the parking lot to raise money to build orphanages in Haiti.

“We’ve tried to utilize our business to not only provide jobs, but to open orphanages in Haiti,” Povlich said. “We hope to use everything we do to fuel change in the world. We consider ourselves a restaurant group and a humanitarian group.” cont. on pg 17

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special advertising section

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The Ravens Club 207 S. Main 734-214-0400 ecurrent.com / october 2016 15

special advertising section

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special advertising section cont. FROM pg 14

The Ravens club

Chris Pawlicki Owner

With dim bulbs hanging “Cocktails we hit right on over wooden tables and the head from the get go,” The Ravens Club comfy leather seats, The Pawlicki said. “Now you 207 S. Main St. Ravens Club looks like a have your cocktail, and we’re 734-214-0400 place you might find Dean going to do more burgers and theravensclub.com Martin nursing a martini sandwiches.” early in the morning.

The new menu includes Owner Chris Pawlicki knows his restaurant’s classic burgers as well as more creative reputation, and is proud of it. But with the options like the “Sticky Fingers,” which has launch of a new menu, he’s trying to branch onions, mushrooms, Gruyere and an apple out to appeal to appetites while still keeping slaw on rye. The menu comes with plenty of The Ravens Club speakeasy vibe. variety as well, including hearty vegetarian “This is a big chance in focus,” Pawlicki dinners like the mushroom risotto. said. “We’ve been trying to impress Ann The goal, according to Pawlicki, is to have Arbor foodies from day one and trying to people fill the seats during dinner time and find what goes well with cocktails.” stay for their nightcap.

The solution, according to Pawlicki, is to “We noticed that at six to six-thirty, we had provide more comfort food up and down the plenty of room,” said Pawlicki. “People were new menu, which launched late September. going out to dinner and then coming here. So we just said, ‘Let’s do what people want.’ ”

ecurrent.com / october 2016 17

feature

ESL groups at Washtenaw Literacy build friendships and learn language

Our ESL Neighbors Dropping in on Washtenaw Literacy’s most popular program

by Jacqueline Bull

Imagine you live in South Korea or Japan and your spouse is offered a job in Michigan in the automotive industry, or is accepted to U-M’s medical school. Maybe you learned a little English in school, but haven’t practiced it in years. Moving is a big opportunity for your spouse and your family, so you go.

You find yourself in a foreign country, having difficulty communicating. Your spouse’s VISA doesn’t permit you to work, and you are alone for the entire day.

Many have turned to Washtenaw Literacy, meeting a couple times a week with others, in similar situations, to work on speaking English.

Private tutors and language-learning software aside, Washtenaw Literacy provides a social environment with a group of peers, allowing isolated people find their own community.

The landscape of Adult Education

Washtenaw Literacy provides service to two groups of learners: basic literacy and ESL (English as a Second Language). Basic literacy encompasses a large range of native english speakers improving their reading and writing ability. ESL students are those that have moved to the U.S. and want to improve their English speaking, writing and reading.

Washtenaw Literacy is one of the few remaining adult education groups in the county. They are celebrating their 45th anniversary this year, which makes the administrators very proud.

“We lost funding two years ago. It was a very bad year for us financially. We suspended one-on-one tutoring for ESL learners,” said Donna DeButts, a member of the Washtenaw Literacy board of directors.

To continue to be able to provide services for ESL populations, they relied on a popular program of drop-in conversation groups, “Last year Washtenaw Literacy served over 1,400 learners through this program delivery mode, with over 38,000 hours of service,” said Amy Goodman, Executive Director of Washtenaw Literacy.

Drop-in conversation groups are held weekly in various library locations. The tutors man different tables and serve different ability levels ranging from beginning all the way to preparing for the TOEFL (Test of

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English as a Foreign Language) to enter an English-speaking university.

Returning learners go to the table with the tutor that they recognize, while new learners will have a brief conversation with the group coordinator to quickly assess their ability level.

“You go, and the whole room is engaged in conversation,” DeButts said.

Meet the tutors

One of the tutors is Jill Reynolds. She has been working with ESL learners, both in groups and on an individual level, for a year and a half.

Reynolds leads the group through a Maya Angelou poem titled “Human Family.” She has one member read a stanza and then discuss any words that were unfamiliar. At the end of the poem the group discusses the overall message. After the main activity is done, the group discusses things happening in their lives.

Like any group of friends, their conversation moves in tangential ways, straying from direct discussion of grammar and pronunciation, which is precisely the point. “They can come in not knowing anyone.

It’s a big social event, too.” Reynolds is flexible with letting the group talk about what they want to talk about, while sometimes steering the conversation towards subjects like the denominations of coins, how to register to vote and the layout of a grocery store.

Reynolds explained that she looks forward to seeing her group every week; the group has a running text message chain to organize outings, like going to the movies. She’s had them over to her house for potlucks where they all brought native dishes.

“I get really attached to them,” she said.

A personal touch

So while building a community is important, some people learn better in a one-on-one setting, where the gritty details of dialect and grammar can be explored. Luckily, budget cuts that made it necessary to shut down personal tutoring haven’t stopped Washtenaw Literacy.

“ESL Personal Tutoring will be added back to our offerings on January 2017,” Goodman said.

Some of the group learners will add to their education with oneon-one tutoring. Either way, it’s clear that in addition to building a new vocabulary, Washtenaw Literacy is also building a new, thriving community.

For more information, visit washtenawliteracy.org.

Fall Flavor Ann Arbor mixologist shares recipe for refreshment

by Zach Marburger

bar If summer is all about fresh, fruity flavors — light beer, sangria, and whatever else keeps the palette cool — then fall is about embracing the changing weather. As the leaves turn, so do the spirits, to rums, whiskeys, and ciders taking center stage.

We asked Tammy Coxen, mixologist and owner/ operator of Tammy’s Tastings, which provides cocktail classes and food workshops across Southeast Michigan, including at The Last Word in Ann Arbor, to share one of her original recipes, a drink she conjured up through experimentation.

“It’s a great cocktail for fall and it’s really flexible,” Tammy said. “Like many of my favorite recipes, it’s not a strict format, but rather more of a template.

So depending on what you have available, you can substitute bourbon for whiskey or rum or some other dark spirit. You can really customize it and make it your own.”

The Autumnal

Tammy’s Tasting:

Cider Season class, Monday, October 17, 7:30pm at The Last Word, 301 W. Huron St. $45. tammystastings.com

1 1/2 oz Bourbon 1/2 oz Benedictine 1/2 oz lemon juice 2 oz apple cider 2-3 dashes Bittercube Blackstrap bitters Garnish: flamed orange peel Combine ingredients in shaker with ice. Shake well strain into cocktail glass (coupe or martini) or serve on the rocks as desired. Garnish.

ecurrent.com / october 2016 19

food

Sans Prétention Mikette’s Approachable French Cuisine

Chef Brendan Mccall (top left) and Owner Adam Baru (bottom right) have brought the taste of Paris to Ann Arbor

by Sonny Forrest Run by owners of Mani Osteria and Isalita, French restaurant Mikette, living in the repurposed shell of a gardenvariety chain restaurant, might deceive prospective guests driving past on Plymouth Rd. A double-take is enough to notice that Mikette isn’t the kind of place that’ll prompt jibes from big cityresiding friends, mostly because spotting approachable French cuisine in America takes a degree of finesse.

The interior space is adorned with the kinds of quintessentially Français knick knacks harkening between Ratatouille and “A Moveable Feast” - a polished café atmosphere with dark-stained wood panelling and burnt-red accents exudes a vaguely Parisian feeling.

For people acquainted with French food, ordering escargot ($12) may seem pedestrian, but ordering the dish in North Ann Arbor is equivalent to loosening one’s tie and belting karaoke before your co-workers in the audience. The Mikette kitchen understands this and compliments

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the shell-on protein with a melted hazelnutbutter pond nuanced with Chartreuse and button mushrooms.

Contrast the escargot with raw half-shell oysters, shelled creatures more Americans are comfortable eating. Though both Eastand West-Coast varieties are listed on the menu, this particular night only Atlanticraised selections were offered (still over 600 miles away). The oysters boasted a tastefully, subtle brine and proved a refreshing palate cleanser before the array of rich dishes that followed.

Beef Bourguignon ($17) with red wine-braised short rib, mushrooms, root vegetables and bacon glowed with complex flavors. The addition of bacon rounded out the sweet red wine sauce with a smokey porcine finish that coated the tender bits of beef.

The Moroccan-spiced lamb meatball ($10) with cumin yogurt, dill and mint accounted for a surprising flavor explosion that, while delightful, was perhaps evidence of a chef trying a little too hard.

Steak Frites ($21) a seared section of thick-cut hangar steak, maitre d’ hotel butter and a side of au poivre sauce ($1) is served with fries cut into crispy golden cords. The server revealed that the kitchen sears the steak in a high-temperature butter bath before pulling the meat from the heat. The steak’s brown crust visually contrasted with its medium-rare center while the au poivre sauce provided a peppery citrus kick.

Other menu highlights include a friendly wine selection, featuring some upmarket bottles, as well as the choose-three cheese board ($14).

Mikette’s unspoken emphasis on approachability shines most notably through thoughtful renditions of French kitchen classics - high-end flash tempered by agreeable menu price points. At Mikette, it would be easy to imagine yourself lounging on a cobblestone street in Paris — until you look outside and see Plymouth Rd.

Ongoing Wine Night Wednesdays 4-10pm. Evans Street Station. evansstreetstation.com

Indulge in a gourmet meal at Tecumseh’s Evans Street Station while enjoying a bottle of wine from their wine list for ½ off.

Every Wednesday night.

Bushel Basket Farm Market 8am/Saturdays, 2pm/Wednesdays.

Downtown Chelsea. chelseafarmersmkt.org/bushel-basket Free

The market offer local, seasonal vegetables and fruits, meat and poultry, eggs, honey, maple syrup, coffee, a wide variety of breads and bakery items, herbs, nuts, along with prepared artisan foods. Organic and naturallygrown offerings available. Handcrafted artisan products include jewelry, soaps and lotions, wood crafts, birdhouses, garden art, and more.

1 saturday 18th Annual Jam Contest

10am. Downtown Home and Garden. downtownhomeandgarden.com Free

It’s just like the county fair, but attendees are invited to taste the entries on toasted Zingerman’s Bakehouse bread and vote for their favorites.

Michigan Firehouse Museum Chili Cook-off Fundraiser 3pm. $12. Michigan Firehouse Museum. michiganfirehousemuseum.org

food

Sample chili made by more than eight Ypsilanti area restaurants and organizations. Craft beer will be available for purchase at the event.

All proceeds will benefit the Michigan Firehouse Museum & Education Center.

4 tuesday Jackhammer Old Ale Feature Hour

6pm. ABC Microbrewery. arborbrewing.com Free

Stroll on up to the main bar, get a taste and meet the brewer.

Cobblestone Farm Market Tuesday 4pm. Cobblestone Farm. cobblestonefarm.org Free

Find natural beauty products, handmade stationery and other gifts, catch a massage and enjoy lunch from Hut-K Chaats or Silvio’s.

5 wednesday Food Truck Rally

5pm. calendar.a2gov.org Free

Bring your friends and your appetite for some of the tastiest local food around.

2 sunday

2016 Smoke & Ale Fall Festival & BBQ Cook-off

You will need some time to find another event that has a BBQ Cook Off Contest, beer served for nine hours and a cornhole classic all rolled up into one.

This fundraising event for the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce also includes food trucks, activities for kids and live music. Whether you attend as a sponsor, a volunteer, or a guest, this fall festival is a way to get out of the city and claim the last of the warmer season before the cold weather hits. —CC Saturday, Oct 8. 11am-8pm. Chelsea Community Fairgrounds, Corner of Old US 12 and Old Manchester Rd. chelseamichamber.org Free

cont’d on p23

Comparative Cupping

1pm. $30. zingermanscoffee.com

Sample coffees from Africa, Central and South Americas, and the Asian Pacific.

The best breakfast of all time

Do you love the danish? It’s this writer’s personal opinion that the danish is the single greatest breakfast food of all time, especially when paired with a hot cup of coffee. Despite the pastry’s rich, flaky dough, you don’t need to be a trained chef to learn how to make your own. During Zingerman’s Bakehouse’s class, Danish: The Breakfast of Vikings, participants will create the infamous dough and then pack it with fruit and cream cheese. Each attendee goes home with 18 danishes. Elastic waistbands are suggested. —ZM Friday, October 7. 1-5pm. $125. Zingerman’s Bakehouse, 3711 Plaza Dr. 734-761-2095. events.zingermanscommunity.com

Stone Ground, Locally Made Chips visit annarbortortilla.com to see where you can find our products

No Preservatives 100% NON-GMO Gluten Free

ecurrent.com / october 2016 21

food

Chefs in the Garden

The nonprofit, Growing Hope, has spent the summer hosting another season of Chefs in the Garden, the dinner series that showcases local ingredients and a farm-to-table philosophy. The October get-together is everyone’s last chance of the season to dig in! Chef Brandon Johns of Grange Kitchen & Bar will be cooking, with desserts provided by Sweet Heather Anne. As a special treat, 12-year-old Nicholas Burzzano, winner of Food Network’s Chopped Junior, will be joining them in the kitchen. --ZM Sunday, October 16. 4-7pm. $55/each or $100/a pair.

Growing Hope, 922 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti.

734-786-8401. growinghope.net

local. unique. handmade.

THE EYRIE

A Michigan Artisan Market 50 East Cross Street Ypsilanti, Michigan 48198 734.340.9286 theeyrie.net Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Our candy selection is so good it’s SCARY!!

1IJMMJQT "WF Â… 5PMFEP 0)

Â… CPZETSFUSPDBOEZ DPN .PO 5IVST BN QN 'SJ BN QN 4BU BN QN 4VO $MPTFE

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cont’d from 21

14 friday

7 friday OktoberFest Street Party 5pm. Main and Washington St. arborbrewing.com Free

A celebration of beers, brats and Lederhosen. Runs through Saturday.

8 saturday 8th Annual Pickle Contest

10am. Downtown Home and Garden. downtownhomeandgarden.com Free

Everyone is invited to stop by, taste, and cast their vote for the winners.

2016 Smoke & Ale Fall Festival & BBQ Cook-Off

11am. $5. chelseamich.com/event/ 2016-smoke-ale

BBQ, cornhole and other entertainment.

11 tuesday Jacques Pépin’s Favorites plus Free Book 6:30pm. $79. Sur La Table. surlatable.com

Use Jacques Pépin’s cookbook Heart & Soul in the Kitchen as a guide in this class.

12 wednesday Halloween Candy Class 5:30pm. $50. The Baker’s Nook. thebakersnook.com

Craft Bones, Mummies, Spiderwebs, and Frankensteins out of candy.

Ann Arbor Craft Beer Tour 1pm. $30. Zal Gaz Grotto. zalgaz.org

Led by some Ann Arbor Freemasons who live, love, and drink craft beer. Enjoy a 5-hour tour of breweries where with a chance to taste some of the offerings that are only available at the breweries.

13 thursday Wine and Cheese 101

6pm. $35. Zingerman’s Creamery. zingermanscreamery.com

An overview of the wine world, with tastes of cheese-friendly wines paired with delicious artisan cheeses.

Donate to Dine: Project HEAL

5pm. $25. Bd’s Mongolian Grill. projecthealsoutheastmichigan.mydagsite.com

All proceeds go towards treatment scholarships for people battling eating disorders.

Included in the ticket is one stir-fry bowl, unlimited soup and salad, a soft drink and tip/tax.

15 satuday Cranes, Colors and Cabernet

1pm. Sharon Hills Preserve. legacylandconservancy.org Free

Learn a bit about how and why trees change color in the fall and maybe spot a Crane while sipping cabernet. Registration required.

Local Hops and Beer Tour 2pm. $45. Chelsea Alehouse. chelseacommunitykitchen.org

Meet in Chelsea for a fun afternoon tour and tasting featuring a number of local stops; including Groovy Hopster Farm, Chelsea Alehouse Brewery, and a presentation by a new start up brewery called Plow Point.

16 sunday Chefs in the Garden

4pm. $55/individual, $100/pair. growinghope.net

Guests will enjoy a gourmet farm-to-table meal prepared by celebrated regional chefs, delicious beer and wines, and show-stopping desserts amidst a blossoming urban farm to benefit Growing Hope.

17 monday Cider Season

7:30pm. $45. The Last Word. tammystastings.com

From freshly pressed sweet cider, to bubbly hard cider, to apple jack and apple brandy, the humble apple has a long cocktail history which class participants will explore in this oh-so-seasonal class. With donuts, of course!

GUIDE TO THE

ARTS

Everything the creative you needs to know.

NOVEMBER ISSUE Call to advertise 734.668.4044

food

20 thursday The Resurrection of Rye 7pm. $75. Cornman Farms. zingermanscornmanfarms.com

An Exploration of Pre-Prohibition era cocktails using Northeast America’s Original Whiskey.

Guests will leave with recipes for the Rye creations and the knowhow to make these traditional tipples at home.

Frosting with a Flourish 7pm. Chelsea District Library. chelseadistrictlibrary.org Free

Learn the basics of cake decorating from Zuzana Wiseley, founder of Cakes by Zuzana.

21 friday Detroit Beer Festival

5pm. $5-$45. Eastern Market, Detroit. mibeer.com

One of the largest all-Michigan beer tastings around. Beer enthusiasts won’t be disappointed.

Don’t miss it! Runs through Saturday.

Lecture: The White House State Dinner: Lessons in Soft Power with Chef Bill Yosses

Bake away! Class participants will create cupcakes that reflect the Halloween season such as a 3-D pumpkin, a witch’s hat, a spider, Frankenstein, a ghost and a graveyard.

27 thursday Fall for American Cheese!

6pm. $30. Zingerman’s Creamery. zingermanscreamery.com

Join Zingerman’s Shop Manager Tessie as she talks about the state of American cheeses ain’t some of Zingerman’s favorite producers. Ain’t nuthin’ cheesy ‘bout this.

Bartender Battle: Mixed!

Hosted by Circle 2445

7pm. $30/Circle 2445 members, $40/ non-members. Toledo Museum of Art GlasSalon. toledomuseum.org

Toledo’s best bartenders face off to see who can make the most delicious drink inspired by a piece of glass art. Attendees will serve as judges during this fun, exciting event. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

28 friday

7pm. $10-15. Toledo Museum of Art. toledomuseum.org

Bill Yosses, a Toledo native and founder of Kitchen Garden Laboratory, served as the White House executive pastry chef under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Learn about his time at the White House and why understanding the food we eat is important. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

25 tuesday Building Business Relationships Breakfast

Taste of the Arts: Dinner Under Glass

6:30-10pm. $200/TMA members, $225/non-members. Toledo Museum of Art GlasSalon. toledomuseum.org

Museum Chef Joe Felix and Curator Jutta Page present a five-course gourmet dinner inspired by the Museum’s glass collection. A wine sommelier will serve a paired wine for each course. Dress is black-tie optional. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

7am. $12. salinechamber.org

Monthly networking breakfast for members and community members with featured speakers.

26 wednesday Halloween Cupcake Class 5:30pm. $50. The Baker’s Nook. thebakersnook.com

29 saturday Best of Fall: Apples 1pm. $69. Sur La Table. Surlatable.com

In this hands-on class hone your culinary skills and celebrate everyone’s favorite autumn fruit with an incredible sweet and savory feast.

Let’s make some plans

WEDDING ISSUE NOVEMBER

Be sure your business is showcased in our annual guide for brides and their big day.

Call to advertise 734.668.4044

ecurrent.com / october 2016 23

Photo Credit: Mike Frieseman

music

The Benefits Of A Creative Cooperative

Arts Alliance President Deb Polich aims to keep Ann Arbor the most creative city in Michigan

Part Two of a Series: Exploring Opportunities For Local Artists To Reach Audiences

by Jeff Milo There’s something exciting that hasn’t happened yet, but we’d like you to imagine it. And after that, we’d like you to stop just imagining what this might mean and start contemplating what it might look like. We could set up a supportive sanctum for local artists, a place for bands to practice, a place for hosting educational events, a place for your studio. A place to incubate, augment and expand art in our communities.

Because I know what you may be thinking, and we’ll just say: Don’t go…I know that voice in the back of your head. Don’t go, yet… Listen, you may be an artist, a musician, a writer, a photographer, a painter; you may be a tacit component of Washtenaw County’s creative sector. And you may be frustrated. But you’re now reading part-two in an ongoing series of articles where we’re assessing just how supportive and nurturing the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti areas (have been and) can be for its artists.

A creative cooperative

The Arts Alliance is a nonprofit based in Ann Arbor and they’re currently wrapping up the feasibility study for a Creative Cooperative, an accommodatingly sized (albeit not yet identified) site where artists (or “creatives”) could meet, rent affordable studio/retail space for their work (or their bands) and host arts programming.

When the Arts Alliance put out their survey requesting expressions of interest, they acknowledged that the lack of studio spaces and/or artist collectives is repeatedly given as a primary reason that creative individuals choose to leave Washtenaw County.

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Deb Polich is the President/CEO of The Arts Alliance and she’s dedicated most of her life to the cause of making the arts a thriving component of Washtenaw County.

development team, Polich said they’ll lay out a business plan to determine required resources, needed revenue, rental rates for artists, etc.

The Arts Alliance began out of the Washtenaw County Arts and Cultural Summit in 1999, (spearheaded by The NEW Center, a local nonprofit facilitator) after the development of an umbrella organization for the arts was recommended. From ’02-‘08, with Polich working alongside, volunteering her skills in Arts Management, the Arts Alliance was a division of the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce. The entity became an independent 501(c)3 in 2008 and Polich became its president in 2012.

Beyond that, she will contact eager artists and extend a hand to them. Maybe you’re in a rock band, maybe you create sculpture, maybe you’re a dancer – The Arts Alliance wants to engage you in this endeavor. “When we all join our arms together we can actually raise one voice and make something like this — a creative cooperative — happen,” said Polich.

Artists on the move

“Frankly, although the Ann Arbor area is still considered a mecca for Michigan’s arts and cultural world, that status is starting to slip. The public might not see it yet, but (The Arts Alliance) is starting to see how artists and creatives and arts organizations are choosing to move to communities where there is greater public investment.”

“There is a possibility for Washtenaw County to develop a Creative Cooperative that is based on a model that works specifically for our community,” Polich said. But nothing like this ever happens without public investment.

Meanwhile, The Arts Alliance wraps up its feasibility study this month. Polich and her staff have been studying comparable models of other arts organizations and cooperatives around the country. After they report back to the County’s economic

Quality of life defined

How do you define the quality of life in a community? The Creative Cooperative encourages creative individuals and, by extension, businesses, to remain in this community and make livelihoods and establish foundations here.

It’s then that you see the ripple effect: a line out the door at The Ark on a Saturday night, crowds shopping and watching performers and during Ypsilanti’s Sonic Lunch and First Fridays. You see the vibrancy of this community; it’s subtle, sometimes, but it’s thanks to the arts and the artists.

The Creative Cooperative can keep more of them here and give them a chance to flourish.

Visit a3arts.org and sign up for the eNewsletter for updates this month on the Creative Cooperative. Or get in touch directly at 734-213-2733 and info@a3arts.org

Ongoing

Mondays Live Music Mondays

7:30pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org

7pm. ABC Microbrewery. arborbrewing.com Free

Tunes for peace.

The Blues

10pm. Live. livea2.com Free

Live music with some suds.

7pm. The Rumpus Room Chelsea. therumpusroomchelsea.com Free

Blues every Monday night with the JTW trio.

1 saturday Melissa Ferrick

8pm. $25. The Ark theark.org

Folk-Rock.

Parisian Soiree

8pm. $10-50. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Cabaret.

2 sunday Mark Kirschenmann’s Big Fun

5pm. UMMA. kerrytownconcerthouse.com Free

Kirschenmann on trumpet.

Georg Graewe

8pm $5-20. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Piano.

Heather Black Project 8pm. The Ravens Club. theravensclub.com Free

Soulful jazz and blues.

3 monday John Hiatt

7:30pm. $75.00 The Ark. theark.org

Acoustic set.

4 tuesday Ryan Racine

7pm. Arbor Brewing Company Brewpub. arborbrewing.com Free

Former front man of Lucky Haskins.

Songwriters Open Mic 7:30pm. Oz’s Music Store. ozmusic.com Free

5 wednesday

Candy Bar LGBT Night w/ DJ Selina Style LGBT dance party.

DJ John Beltran

10pm. Babs Underground. babsundergroundlounge.com Free

7 friday Aston Neighborhood Pleasure Club 8am-5pm. Chelsea Alehouse. chelseaalehouse.com Free

New Orleans jazz.

Hoots and Hellmouth 8pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org

New music for old souls.

Lou and Peter Berryman

8pm. $15. Green Wood Coffee House. greenwoodcoffeehouse.org

Hilarious, quirky, yet oddly profound songs.

8 saturday

Write hear right now

8pm. McIntosh Theatre. music.umich. edu Free

Daring artistic collaborations between student composers and performers.

Beethoven Quartet Cycle Takács Quartet 8pm. Rackham Auditorium. $28-56. ums.org

With pre-performance talk.

King Michael

8pm. $10-20. Pease Auditorium. emutix.org

9th Gate Wednesday

9 sunday

9pm. $3. Club Above. club-above.com

EDM.

7pm. $5. Ann Arbor Senior Center. meetup.com/ann-arbor-acoustic-jam

Dave Menzo

Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings

Funk and rock.

Big-band music and pop standards.

Edward Dusinberre with Steven Whiting 7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com Free

Thursday, October 6. 7:30pm. $15. The Ark, 316 S. Main St. 734-761-1818. theark.org

An all day celebration of dreams with live music.

Acoustic Jam

6 thursday

Like many beloved traditions in our socially conscious city, the annual Veterans for Peace John Lennon Birthday Concert is a good cause-- all proceeds from the concert go towards the Veterans for Peace scholarship fund, which assists Michigan college students studying conflict resolution or peace studies.

The show itself is packed with talented Michigan musicians, all performing Lennon’s songs or other peace-related music.

Visit The Ark’s website for a full lineup. --ZM

2:30pm. $12-20. Eluminous Studios. eluminousstudios.org

Sarah McQuaid

10pm. Babs’ Underground. babsundergroundlounge.com Free

Imagine

Day Dream Sacred Movement & Arts Festival

Tribute artists performing Michael Jackson’s greatest hits.

7pm. $15/suggested donation. Chelsea Depot. onthetrackschelsea.com

music

Veterans for Peace John Lennon Birthday Concert

5pm. $7-$10. Zal Gaz Grotto.

10 monday Ian Hunter & The Rant Band

PJ’ S

RECORDS &USED CDS

SELECTION, QUALITY & PRICE ARE ALWAYS OUR TOP PRIORITIES!!!

IBUY-SELL-TRADE-RECYCLEI JAZZ BLUES ROCK SOUL CLASSICAL PUNK FUNK Open 7 Days

617-B PACKARD — NEAR HILL ST.

UPSTAIRS FROM PASTRY PEDDLER — 663-3441 Hundreds of Sealed LPs

8pm. $36. The Ark. theark.org

New music from a rock legend.

cont. on p.27

ecurrent.com / october 2016 25

music Inside Gold Panda’s Electric Collage Traversing one producer’s topographical inspiration

by Sonny Forrest

Fresh off his gig at the Blind Pig Current talked to him about sonic inspiration, the word “Brexit” and his go-to BPM. Gold Panda: How is it in Ann Arbor?

Current: It’s a little bit balmy today. Where are you?

I’m in London in my flat, just working on some music.

Released in tandem, both albums sound like alter egos of each other. And given that both were largely produced using an Akai MPC2000XL (a sampling sequencer from the mid-90s), Gold Panda’s deviation from the standard laptop production that characterizes today’s most conspicuous electronic music offers insight into his distinctly wistful sounds.

How would you describe the music that you make?

It depends who I’m talking to. I usually just say ‘electronic music to people, but to describe what’s actually happening, it’s kind of like a collage. So it’s bits of old records put together and rearranged with found sounds. credit: Laura Lewis

UK-based electro producer/composer Gold Panda has released two albums since summer began. The first, Good Luck And Do Your Best, a full studio album inspired by a trip to Japan, meanders through tempo ranges seasoned with found samples to conjure a variety of moods. The second album, Kingdom, wades through more abstract, down-rhythm melodies unencumbered by track-length concerns.

How many times have you been to Ann Arbor?

Twice. I’ve played at the Blind Pig both times. My former label, that did my last two records, is based in Ann Arbor — Ghostly International. (The new record is on another label, City Slang, which is based in Berlin.)

I haven’t really had a chance to explore Ann Arbor, but it seems quite green and lush.

I read that your latest album Good Luck and Do Your Best was inspired by your travels to Japan. And I’ve heard your music described as having a nostalgic quality. How do your travel inspirations play into a nostalgic feeling?

I think that the way I make music is probably outdated so I’m using a specific kit for this record and the last few. I like 90s hip-hop and the way it’s made and some housey stuff so I like that raw, kind of under-produced, soundslike-it’s-made-in-a-bedroom-kind-of vibe. I’m not trying to make some kind of futuristic music with modern tools. I’m kind of sampling old records and old memories and old sounds and cutting and pasting back together my favorite bits, like I’m keeping a diary or something. So I guess that’s the way it works for me, so I guess that’s the nostalgia element.

You released the EP Kingdom, which sounds pretty different from Good Luck And Do Your Best and I’ve read that’s connected, in part, to the Brexit. How far before the referendum did the inspiration for Kingdom seed itself?

It was actually made way before the referendum vote, so probably around the start of the year. Kingdom was just darker music and feeling anxious about certain things. And then the last track was made and then pitched down on a trip to France on the Eurostar so it’s very loosely based on those things. It wasn’t supposed to be a social commentary or anything on the Brexit situation. I just mentioned the Brexit and that was it after that [laughs]. The people wrote about it being a “Brexit-inspired” record. I can’t change that now, but I wish maybe I hadn’t said the word “Brexit.”

When you sit down to make a track, what’s your go-to BPM [Beats Per Minute]?

Searchable lists updated daily at

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Well, I guess 120 is what you turn on the machine at and it’s kind of the most natural tempo that’s in sync with your heartbeat so I guess that’s the natural way to start. Tempos are kind of defined by what sounds you’re working with and the loops you get out of it. I think if you get a good loop on something or you make a good loop, the tempo can be structured around that.

music

cont. from p.25 Department of Voice Student Recital 6:45pm. McIntosh Theatre. music. umich.edu Free

26 wednesday

Voice students prepare their latest repertoire.

20th Annual Edgefest

5pm. $160-310. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

12 wednesday

Celebration of iconic and avantgarde artistry of the past 20 years in classical music. Runs through the weekend.

Loreena McKennitt

7:30pm. $35-90. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org

Samuel Blaser

Music with Celtic and Middle Eastern themes.

The Dustbowl Revival

Yonder Mountain String Band with Pert Near Sandstone

A spicy roots cocktail from Venice, CA.

Traditional music that looks forward.

8pm. $20-27. The Ark. theark.org

6:30pm. $39.50. The Ark. theark.org

Elephante with Ben Phipps

13 thursday The Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic 7:30pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org

America’s premier youth fiddling show band.

14 friday Laurie McClain

8pm. $15. Green Wood Coffee House. greenwoodcoffeehouse.org

Guitar, ukulele and harmonica folk.

Broccoli Samurai w/ Everyday Junior 9pm. $10. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Synth-laden, drum and bass influenced, progressive electronica.

The Verve Pipe

8pm. $25. The Ark. theark.org

One of the biggest Michigan bands of the ‘90s returns with new music and old favorites.

15 saturday Darlingside 7:30pm. $22. The Ark. theark.org

Four distinct voices clustered around a single microphone.

16 sunday All About the Organ

2pm. $5-30. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Organ music with bass and drums.

The Rusty Nails

Marcus Elliot

Jazz Avant Garde on the Edge

October 26-29. Visit kerrytownconcerthouse.com for performance times, tickets, and artist information.

19 wednesday The Main Squeeze 9pm. $10. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Infectious feel-good funk.

20 thursday Nobody’s Business 6pm. Mash. mashbar.net Free

Swingin’ rockabilly/roots rock trio.

21 friday October 2016 Chamber

1:30pm. $10. Jewish Community Center. a2so.org

Wind, string and brass soloists and ensembles. Preceded by coffee and dessert.

Denis Matsuev

Two nights with Steppin’ in It’s fast-rising lead vocalist.

Also runs Saturday.

Virtuoso in the Russian piano tradition.

18 tuesday

27 thursday

Kerrytown Concert House’s Edgefest celebrates its 20th iteration this year by paying homage to the iconic and avant garde artistry of jazz music’s past 20 years. The festival, which began as a one day event, has grown into a critically acclaimed four day spectacle. Performances will include jazz bands and classical ensembles to shock your ears in a pleasant way.

Featured festival artists will teach master classes and provide musical outreach in local schools. Grab your tickets to keep the music going for another 20 years! —CC

Joshua Davis

7:30pm. $12-70. Hill Auditorium. ums.org

The former singer-songwriter turns to electronica.

Serpentines

2pm. Ypsi Alehouse. ypsialehouse.com Free

Oldies, bluegrass and originals.

9pm. $5-$10. Necto Nightclub. necto.com

8pm. $25. The Ark theark.org

Billy King

9pm. Chelsea AleHouse. chelseaalehouse.com Free

CD release party.

22 saturday Mike Vial 6pm. Mash. mashbar.net Free

Acoustic set.

7:30pm. Towsley Auditorium. wccband.org Free

Music from the movies Star Trek, Star Wars and Apollo 13. Dress as a favorite space-themed character.

Brett Dennen w/ Lily and Madeleine

8pm. $25. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com Stripped down songs.

28 friday The David Mayfield Parade 7:30pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org

The hilarious MC of the Ann Arbor Art Center performs.

A New World

23 sunday Quivering Quavers and Hellish Relish

4pm. $5-30. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Ghoulish storytelling and frightening songs.

Lindsay Lou and The Flatbellys 7pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org

An amazing native Michigan voice with R&B and jazz backing band.

25 tuesday Foy Vance

9pm. $15-20. Blind Pig blindpigmusic.com

Space: The Final Frontier

8pm. $40. Rackham Auditorium. ffnewworld.com

Intimate music from Final Fantasy.

Dead Again

8pm. $12-$20. The Magic Bag. themagicbag.com

The Magic Bag’s annual Halloween Bash returns with shows from the permier Grateful Dead cover band! Also runs Saturday, October 29.

Pride

9pm. $5-$10. Necto Nightclub. necto.com

Dancing, DJs and a costume contest.

McLovins w/Mister F

10pm. $3. Club Above. club-above.com

One of today’s best songwriters.

Jam rock with plenty of space to dance.

cont. on p.29 ecurrent.com / october 2016 27

music

GUIDE TO THE ARTS november 2016

28

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cont. from p.27

29 saturday

music The Ark’s Fall Fundraiser: The Milk Carton Kids

The sweaty soul of Dixieland, a couple blades of bluegrass, a pinch of ragtime beat, and a western swinging swagger.

7:30pm. $50-$500. The Ark. theark.org The Ark’s annual fall fundraiser returns with a performance from The Milk Carton Kids. A pre-dinner show takes place at Zingerman’s Roadhouse for specialy ticketed members.

Dr. MarĂ­a Porter and Dr. Timothy Hoekman

Elvis Costello & the Imposters

The Appleseed Collective 7:30pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org

8pm. Britton Recital Hall. music.umich.edu Free

Russian, Brazilian and German music.

Halloween Bash 2016 9pm. $5-$10. Necto Nightclub. necto.com

With DJ Hardy and MC Yoda.

Chris Canas Band: Monster Mash 10pm. Mash. mashbar.net Free

Blues, Funk and soul. Costume contest with CCB prizes.

30 sunday The Haunted Belfry: An Open Tower Concert 2pm. Robert H. Tower. music.umich.edu Free

PVS )BQQZ ) ls: $1.00 off all drafts.

ia 5-7pm drink spec ue Light, Carlsberg, Tuesday-Friday tt ba PBR, La Bl $1.75 bottles of stel Light, Palm and Bud. Heineken, Am

8pm. $145. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org The man with the glasses, who needs no introduction, comes to Ann Arbor to perform new hits and his classic material.

31 monday MC chris w/ MC Lars & Megaran 9pm. $16-18. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Playful, fluent rhymes.

Frequency Presents...

Halloween Bash 2016

9pm. $5-10. Necto Nightclub. necto.com

Part two of Necto Nightclub’s Halloween explosion. Featuring DJ Madisi in the main room.

U-M students perform eerie music surrounded by bats and cobwebs.

Best of Washtena w HKDD;H#K H; (&', 7: ;

HIĂ‹ 9>E?9;

F

$2.50 Valentine Gin or Vodka Drinks, $5.00 Pitchers of any Michigan beer. Mini Burgers $2.00 each. No limit. Coney bar 5pm-close (2 drink min).

5VFTEBZ 4QFDJBMT $2.00 Corona bottles, $2.00 Tequila Shots, $4.00 Pitchers of Dos Equis. $2.00 tacos (no limit), taco bar 5pm-7pm (2 drink min).

8FEOFTEBZ 4QFDJBMT $2.75 any draft, $5.00 Pitchers of Bud Light. $5.00 Miller Lite and Shandy pitchers, Coney Bar 5pm-7pm (2 drink min). $6.75 burger and beer.

5IVSTEBZ 4QFDJBMT $1.00 Long Island Ice Teas, $4.00 Pitchers of Coors 4,&&14 4&44*0/ light or Travelers Illusive (Drink specials 1*5$)&34 start at 10pm). $7.99 Philly Cheese Steak.

Nacho bar 5pm-7pm (2 drink min). .POEBZ 4QFDJBMT

'SJEBZ 4QFDJBMT

$5

7-9pm SPORCLE TRIVIA LIVE.

$1.75 bottles of Amstel Light, Heineken, PBR, Palm, Labatt Blue Light, Carlsberg, and Bud from 11am - 7pm. Free wing buffet 5pm-7pm (2 drink min). 7pm-Close $2.00 Miller light or Coors light Bottles, $4.00 Jack Daniels. Food specials are all day. Fish -n- Chips $6.99, Fish Sandwich $6.99, Shrimp Sliders $6.99 and Shrimp Platter $11.99.

4BUVSEBZ 4QFDJBMT $8.00 Well Mini Pitchers, $12.00 Call Mini Pitchers, $14.00 Vodka Redbull Mini Pitchers, and $20.00 Top Shelf or Moscow Mule Mini Pitchers (Drink specials start at 10pm). $7.99 BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich.

Searchable lists updated daily at

ecurrent.com

.BZOBSE 4U "OO "SCPS

ecurrent.com / october 2016   29

PHOTO BY LOUIS MELDMAN

art

New Season for Stamps The Penny Stamps Lecture Series launches

by Louis W. Meldman

I think the most impressive course I took at the University of Michigan was called “Future Worlds.” A special guest speaker would come each week and deliver a lecture at Hill Auditorium.

When I say special, the first few that come to mind are Buckminster Fuller, Margaret Mead, John Lilly and Hunter Thompson. The hall was always packed (the public was invited too), the talks were mesmerizing and I still picture the speakers and even remember some of what they had to say. Even as punks with post-adolescent delusions of grandeur we were awed and looking back, I’ve always thought that that’s what college was all about.

Now college is all about the Penny W. Stamps Distinguished Lecture Series. The twelve-part series, free and open to all, will feature the world’s leading and most exciting artists and designers, all thanks to the seemingly bottomless generosity of Penny Stamps herself. Thank you, Penny!

The presentations are on Thursdays at 5:10pm at the historic Michigan Theater. The Series was organized and directed by the legendary Chrisstina Hamilton. Hamilton has her B.A. in Film and Performance from Indiana, her MFA in Theater Arts from Idaho, and she produced the Emmy-award winning documentary The Sprawling of America. Prior to joining the Stamps School in 2005, she was the Executive Director of the Ann Arbor Film Festival, America’s oldest running showcase of experimental cinema. I’m looking at a photo I took with Chrisstina at the Michigan during the Film Fest in 2002 when I was writing the “Reel Ann Arbor” column for Current. Lovely, poised, charismatic – and she looks good, too!

World Series

On October 13 the topic will be “Tactics for the Anthropocene”

by New York based collective Not An Alternative. Not An Alternative “works at the intersection of art, activism and critical theory, and its mission is to affect popular understandings of histories, symbols and institutions through the occupation and redeployment of popular vernacular, semiotics and memes.” That seems pretty clear. Is weed still legal in Ann Arbor?

Even though I can’t remember what critical theory and semiotics mean, this is going to be a wild ride. The New York Times named Not An Alternative “Best in Art in 2015.” Co-Founder Beka Economopoulos will be speaking. Her latest project is The Natural History Museum, a “mobile and pop-up museum that highlights the socio-political forces that shape nature, yet are excluded from natural history museums.”

30

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(L) Fred Gelli designed for ParaOlympics (R) The author and Penny Stamps Director Hamilton

October 20 is “Art as as Ignition for Change” by representatives of the Wynwood Walls, a Miami, FL. project that is a bona fide miracle which took place when a no-account, run-down urban area was transformed with six warehouses serving as monster canvases for the most amazing street art collection ever assembled in one location. In 2015 a former junkyard was added to the mix and Wynwood Garden now comprises 85,000 square feet of wall art in a now thriving, diverse neighborhood. Speakers include Tristan Eaton, graffiti artist, street art muralist, illustrator and toy designer, whose work is part of the permanent collection of New York’s Museum of Modern Art, as well as Kashink, Paris’s leading female graffiti/street artist. I saw one of her extraordinary works at the “Born in the Streets” exhibition in 2009 at the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art in Paris. She paints a pencil moustache on her upper lip every day and “only paints men, preferably fat and hairy.”

It never ends

On October 27 guests Iris van Herpen and Phillip Beesley present “New Bodies New Worlds.” Their fashion atelier in Amsterdam is in demand by celebrities around the world, but their innovations in hand-crafted materials and three-dimensional fabric go beyond couture. “Iris van Herpen: Transforming Fashion” will be on view at the magnificent Grand Rapids Art Museum from October 23 through next January.

On November 3 witness Fred Gelli. He designs for Coca-Cola, P&G, Phillips and other biggies. If you watched the Olympics you’ve seen his work. He designed the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games brands. No surprise he was named among the 100 Most Creative People in the World.

Special event: on Wednesday, November 9 at 5:10 pm in the Rackham Amphitheater check out Mary Mattingly. Just experiencing the ethereal Amphitheater is worth the trip, trust me. Mattingly founded the Waterpod Project in New York Harbor, built atop a barge and designed to explore collaborative living situations with artists residing on board to test sustainability. She’ll be in residence with the Institute for the Humanities, completing an installation in the Institute Gallery and an outdoor “burial project” on the Diag.

Whatever that means. But are you getting the picture? This stuff is wild and fun and even if you don’t know their names, or Bucky Fuller or John Lilly for that matter, be there or be square.

For more on the Penny Stamps Lecture Series, visit stamps.umich.edu

lit What are the most unsettling creepy books Platt has seen?

Although horror fiction is a thrill ride of imagination, there are books that fit into the horror genre that are non-fiction. Subjects that include witchcraft, demonology, paranormal sightings, cannibals and serial killers — all of which make for terrifying reads on a dark and stormy night.

One of the more disturbing books Platt has seen is Fox’s Book of Martyrs. Originally published in 1563 by John Fox, the book chronicles the sufferings of the Protestants at the hands of the Catholic Church. “It’s a very graphic book filled with torture imagery,” said Platt. The images (see below) are creepy enough to keep anyone up at night, but it’s rare finds along those lines that keep Platt, and hungry book collectors, coming back to Westside.

Curling up with a creepy book this Halloween season Current talks creepy books with

Find can find Jay Platt at The West Side Book Shop at 113 West Liberty St. Hours are 11am-10pm Monday-Saturday, and 12-5pm on Sunday. 734-995-1891.

West Side Book Shop’s owner, Jay Platt

by Tim Malik

There’s something very satisfying about peeling back the pages of a great creepy book. Whether the story is from the fantastic minds of Stephen King or Ray Bradbury, or a non-fiction real life horror story ripped from the news, reading a tale of terror is chilling. Current sat down with Jay Platt, Proprietor of The West Side Book Shop to discuss some spooky tales this Halloween season.

Why are so many people interested in reading scary books?

A wide variety of people seek out books about horror and the occult. “There’s always been a strong demand and interest in creepy books,” Platt said. “Stephen King, H.P. Lovecraft, and Clive Barker (to name a few) are household names in the horror genre. The stories will scare you, but you’re safe reading in bed. It’s thrilling. Poe capitalized on the subject quite well. He wrote great stories. They’re timeless subjects.”

What are some of the creepy books available at West Side Book Shop?

“I’ve seen almost everything imaginable come through the shop,” Platt said.

One time a customer came and was about to purchase a book called the Art of Restoration. Thinking the book was about restoring paintings, the customer was a bit shocked to find that the book was actually about the art of restorative embalming. Although creepy books about the occult and fictional horror

only make a very small percentage of the huge selection of available books at Platt’s shop, there’s plenty of creepy reading material available for customers. Platt was kind enough to arrange a stack which included an older copy of Frankenstein

by Mary Shelley, books on witchcraft and gargoyles, and a book called Space Vampires written by one of Platt’s favorite authors, Colin Wilson. Platt spoke of his admiration for the book publisher Arkham House, who published the influential works of H.P. Lovecraft and other horror fiction writers. “They’re very well written books, and are a great introduction to the horror genre,” Platt said.

Creepy classics and rare scares

West Side Book Shop tends to carry books that are more of antiquity nature, old and rare. “I’ve never had any first editions of Poe, or Frankenstein, or Dracula, but I’ve had very early editions of these books in the past, and I’d love to have a first edition in the shop,” Platt said. Early editions and first printings of books like Dracula by Bram Stoker can fetch in the hundreds and even thousands of dollars for a stellar example.

The shelve

s at Westsid

e are full of

spooky secr

ets

ecurrent.com / october 2016 31

theater Test driving new playwrights Theatre Nova hosts second annual festival

by Lauren James

Playwrights relish a chance to put their original work out there and, ideally, have it performed live.

Ann Arbor has a place that gives local writers a platform: Theatre Nova, a company focused on new plays and playwrights.

The company presents the Michigan’s Playwright’s Festival, Oct. 18-23 at the Yellow Barn, 410 W. Huron, after a wildly successful inaugural event last December.

The fest is a chance for read-throughs of playwright’s original works, with the possibility of Theatre Nova adopting them as full-length plays for the upcoming season.

“Theatre Nova is a playwright’s theatre.

We founded [it] thinking about programs that support and develop the works of playwrights. A staged-reading festival is a nobrainer,” said Carla Milarch, Theatre Nova Artistic Director.

For this event, the company keys on Michigan playwrights, who Milarch recognizes as talented but underserved in terms of production and development opportunities.

“Our suspicions that more opportunities (for these writers) were needed, were confirmed in the first year of the festival when we got so many high-quality submissions that we expanded the format from one-week in the fall, to two weeks, one in the fall and one in the spring.”

Half of the plays featured in the first festival were picked up for a full production this season, Milarch said. One of them, Katherine by Kim Carney, highlighting five generations of mothers and daughters telling interconnected stories, was nominated for a Wilde Award for “Best New Script.”

Another one of those scripts, Spin, was written by Detroit playwright Emilio Rodriguez, now co-director for the Michigan Playwright’s Festival, working on the festival selection committee where, once a work is chosen, he assists in pairing the scripts with a director who casts the production.

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Carla Milarch is shining a spotlight on local writers

“[The festival] is great because we have a lot of voices, a lot of writers who are interested in sharing their story,” Rodriguez said.

This year, the festival received more than 50 submissions. To be considered, Milarch’s team looked for full-length works— 60 minutes or longer— that have not had a full production anywhere and are ready to be read in front of an audience.

“It’s a great way for playwrights to give their works a ‘test drive’ in front of an audience,” Milarch said. “This gives them lots of useful feedback to incorporate as they prepare the work for production.”

During the six-day festival, patrons can take in readings every night and watch the play that is running in tandem with the event, Mr. Joy.

“The MPF supports our homegrown playwrights, which keeps them working and creating right here in Michigan,” Milarch said. “We keep our artists here to enrich our lives. It’s the definition of a win-win.”

Rodriguez echoes the sentiment, hoping that this locally grown artistry continues to thrive.

“Hopefully, we start this trend where more and more theaters are excited about local writers to work and produce for them,” Rodriguez said.

All readings are free with a suggested $10 donation. Check out the full schedule of readings and get more information at theatrenova.org

ecurrent.com / october 2016 33

theater

The Full Monty The Encore Theatre’s season opens with a stylized strip show

by Sandor Slomovits

The Encore Theatre is opening its eighth season with The Full Monty, a musical based on the wildly popular 1997 British film of the same name, and nominated for ten Tony Awards when it opened on Broadway in 2000. Current spoke with Matthew Brennan, who is co-directing the Encore production with Thalia Schramm. Brennan will also choreograph the show.

Current: Tell us a little about the different challenges and joys of acting, creating choreography and directing.

Brennan: I have enormous love for each aspect of creating. I

can’t imagine ever giving up performing, but I do prefer looking at the larger picture and shaping the story and how it’s told. No matter which hat you wear the job is always to tell the story. They’re all part of a collaborative effort. There’s something exciting about wrangling a group together and watching how each piece informs the next, while learning how the whole puzzle fits together. You always have a strong idea of the trajectory and shape of the piece but you don’t really know what it will become until the whole “team” is together. That’s one of the things I love about live theater, it’s fleeting and specific. You can never see the same show twice. You can watch the same actors on the same set, in the same costumes, speaking the same words, but it only exists for that one moment.

What can you tell us about this musical?

One of my favorite things about The Full Monty is its score. David Yazbek writes such specific and interesting music and the edge and humor within it really establishes a world for the story. It’s also a great underdog story with a bunch of laughs and just as much heart.

GUIDE TO

ARTS

THE

Everything the creative you needs to know.

NOVEMBER ISSUE Call to advertise 734.668.4044

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2016 / ecurrent.com

And tell us about this production.

Because it’s based on the film, the show has a very cinematic feel in terms of the number of locations, and how briefly we visit some of them. Kristen Gribbin has designed a beautiful set that gives us the opportunity to change the aesthetic of the stage by simply opening or closing a door. Between that and some stylized storytelling techniques, I think Thalia and I have a few things up our sleeves to accomplish a different feel for the numerous locations.

Current: Will you use the Broadway choreography, or create your own?

The choreography will be all new and specific to this production.

You can expect a few nods to the Broadway production and specifically to the iconic strip at the end of the show, (spoiler alert?) but for the most part it will be tailored to our cast and set. I see the opening number so clearly when I listen to it, so that has become the template for the feel of the movement of the whole show.

The Full Monty will run at the Encore Theatre from September 29 to October 23.

Let’s make some plans

WEDDING ISSUE NOVEMBER

Be sure your business is showcased in our annual guide for brides and their big day.

Call to advertise 734.668.4044

arts & culture Shakespeare inMargaret Prison Atwood is prolific. The author, poet, critic and activist, best known for the 1985 speculative fiction classic The Handmaid’s Tale, is on tour in support of her latest novel, Hag-Seed. The fourth book in the Hogarth Shakespeare Series, Atwood’s novel reimagines Shakespeare’s The Tempest, starring a down on his luck theater director who sees his chance to get revenge on those who have wronged him by staging a highly suspect version of the play in a prison. Presented

by Literati Bookstore, a limited author signing will take place after the presentation. —ZM

Friday, October 21. 6:15/door, 7pm/start. $30. Rackham Auditorium, 715 E. Washington St. 734-585-5567. literatibookstore.com

A NEW CHOICE IN DIAMONDS LAB GROWN SUPERIOR QUALITY EXCEPTIONAL VALUE

Not-so-scary movie From the mouths and

minds that perfected the art of making fun of movies in the cult show Mystery Science Theater 3000 comes Rifftrax Live. Mike Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett are all former MST3K writers and performers who make watching bad movies better than catching any new-fangled blockbuster. During the show, the guys will watch campy 1962 horror classic Carnival of Souls with the audience and turn what was held as spooky in the ‘60s into a night of comedy. Perfect for those who like their scary movies with plenty of snark. —ZM

8pm/Thursday, October 27 and 7:30pm/Monday, October 31. $14. Quality 16, 3686 Jackson Rd. 734-623-7469. goodrichqualit ytheaters.com

Front and Center Here at Current, we have an obvious and vested interest in the status of print

journalism. It’s a survival instinct. Artist Fred Tomaselli has an ongoing love with print as well, specifically the front page of The New York Times.

Powered by his lifelong appreciation of the the paper and the gradual erosion of civility in public discourse, Tomaselli has spent the past ten years defacing the front page of the The Times to create his own surreal expression of the world. The UMMA will display a collection of his work in the Taubman Gallery starting October 4, with a guided tour set for Sunday, October 26 from 2-3pm. Tomaselli will speak as part of the Penny W. Stamps Speaker Series on October 2, 5:10pm at Michigan Theater. —ZM

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ecurrent.com / october 2016 35

arts & culture

5 wednesday [film]

Ongoing

Little Stones Screening and Q&A

[film]

6:30pm. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org Free

Thrifty Ticket Tuesday $7. Goodrich Quality 16. goodrichqualitytheaters.com

Explores the role of art in the global empowerment of women and girls. Registration required.

Discounted tickets on Tuesdays, some exceptions apply.

[misc]

[stage]

The Garden Experts Speak Up

The Full Monty

7:30pm. $27-35. Encore Musical Theatre. theencoretheatre.org

The story of six unemployed steel workers turned strippers.

Weekend nights and Saturday and Sunday matinee shows.

Runs through October 22

1 saturday

[misc]

National Solar Tour in Ypsilanti

10am. Ypsilanti Freighthouse. solar.ypsi.com/events. Free

Visit dozens of solar installations.

Mark Knope.

7pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens. lsa.umich.edu/mbg. Free

A one night stand gone right

It’s a world premiere at the Purple Rose Theatre about a man and a woman — Angus and Abigail — who wake up together after a drunken evening. For Abigail, it might be the start of something truly memorable, and a chance to reconnect with someone, her first since her husband left her for a younger woman years ago.

But for Abigail and Angus, building a future isn’t going to be that simple. A comedy that collides with relationships and divorce, Morning After Grace, written by Carey Crim and directed by Guy Sanville, runs through December 19. —ZM

Thursday, September 29 to December 17.

8pm. $12-14. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com

Fun and energetic comedian.

[stage] Mr. Joy

8pm. Suggested $20 ticket price.

Theatre Nova. theatrenova.org

The story of Mr. Joy, a Chinese immigrant with a neighborhood shoe repair shop. Runs through October 23.

Mornings After Grace 8pm. $11-22. The Purple Rose. purplerosetheatre.org

A one night stand occurs after a funeral and things turn bizarre.

Runs through December 17.

Sylvia

8pm. $12. A2CT Studio. a2ct.org

A romantic comedy features empty nesters Greg and Kate, who have recently moved into Manhattan, and find themselves on differing paths. Enter man’s

best friend in the form of Sylvia, a street-smart labradoodle. Recommended for adult audiences. Runs through October 2.

young couple from deployment to Afghanistan and back home again.

Special Military pricing for active and retired Military.

[health] Tai Chi

5pm. $10. Dancers for Life School of Dance. dancersforlife.net

Tai Chi is a Chinese exercise system that uses slow, smooth body movements to achieve a state of relaxation of both body and mind.

2 sunday

[stage]

Basetrack Live

3pm. $20. Macomb Center for the Performing Arts. macombcenter.com.

Documentary theater. Basetrack Live powerfully portrays the impact of war on veterans and their families. Follow the journey of a

[lit]

3 monday

Monday Evening Book Group

7pm. YDL-Whittaker. ypsilibrary.org.

Free

A discussion of Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert.

Fiction at Literati: Katie Chase 7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free

Fiction writer Katie Chase will be reading from her story collection, Man and Wife . From Twilight Zone suburbia to cities on fire to post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan, these award-winning stories range over unexpected landscapes-and land squarely in the wildness of the human heart.

4 tuesday

[misc]

Fall Career Fair

1pm. Washtenaw Community College. wccnet.edu. Free

Check out potential employers in the community.

[lit]

Josh Maclvor-Anderson: On Heights & Hunger 7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com Free

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2016 / ecurrent.com

On Heights & Hunger is a memoir of two professional and competitive tree-climbing brothers, both hungry for transcendence and adventure.

Informal meeting of the Ann Arbor Garden Club swapping tips and sharing books.

[misc]

Nick Gaza

8pm. $12-14. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com

Calls himself “a lazy twisted bastard.” Runs through October 8th.

6 thursday

[art]

Nancy Wolfe Gallery Exhibit 5pm. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com Free

Nancy Wolfe is an artist and educator and has the joyful experience of Art Coordinator at Kerrytown Concert House whom exhibits her work yearly each October.

The Senses are Alive and Well

6pm. The Silver Club. umma.umich.edu Free

In this interactive, 90-minute program, University of Michigan Museum of Art docents and staff will demonstrate their use of art, music, storytelling and touch to create successful and rewarding experiences for visitors with memory loss, their families, and care-partners. The evening will also include tips and ideas from UMMA and Silver Club for using these modes to connect with loved ones at home or anywhere.

Light refreshments will be served, register by emailing umma-program-registration@umich.edu.

Drink and Click

7:30pm. Bar Louie. drinkandclick.com Free

Fujifilm is bringing their latest XT-2 camera to this event. Come test the newest Fuji camera and all their lens lineup. Don’t forget to bring your own SD CARD so you can take your images home.

[lit]

Thursday Morning Book Group 10:30am. YDL-Whittaker. ypsilibrary.org. Free

A discussion of The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich.

arts & culture

Emerging Writer’s Workshop: How to Deepen Your Fiction

Story Night with Ann Arbor Storytellers’ Guild

7pm. AADL-Traverwood. aadl.org. Free

In this workshop teachers will show you why theme matters, what subtext and symbolism can do for your story, and why character change is a vital part of making novels work. Workshop intended for Grade 6-adult.

[art]

7pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room. crazywisdom.net. Free

Stories for grown-ups.

Open Mic & Share Poetry 7pm. Bookbound Bookstores. bookboundbookstore.com. Free

7 friday

Dawn Richberg will read her new poetry chapbook with an open mic to follow.

First Friday Art Walk

[film]

4pm. Riverside Arts Center. riversidearts.org. Free

20 plus venues in the community participate in visual and performance art throughout the day and evening.

Through the Lens

5pm. Riverside Arts Center. riversidearts.org Free

An eight woman photography exhibit: Sylvia Ford, Marcia Fowler, Karen Hofmann, Lucinda Huff, Amy Lockard, Linda Sorensen, Wendy Wernet and Georgett Willoughby.

Songs from the North

Revisiting a Classic In a career that’s spanned over four decades, Elvis Costello has had plenty of hit records, but 1982’s Imperial Bedroom — critically celebrated at the time — didn’t chart with a huge impact. Costello and his backing band, The Imposters, revisit the classic on tour, performing tracks framed with other selections from his iconic discography. —ZM

Sunday, October 30. 8pm. $69.50-$125. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

[misc]

8pm. $5. The Phoenix Center. a2phoenixcenter.com.

Come mix and mingle your dance styles and moves to fresh and unconventional MUSIC THAT MOVES YOU: swing fusion, blues fusion, alternative tango, latin fusion and electronica. 8pm: learn fusion techique! 9pm-1130pm: open dance party with a fusion DJ’s.

8 saturday

[misc]

Rouge-A-Palooza

10am. Goudy Park Amphitheater. rougeapalooza.org. Free

The event, put on by the non-profit River Restorations, will feature live music, food trucks, a rubber duck race, youth activities, environmental education booths, paddling trips on the Rouge, and more.

[art]

Crafting with Grace

10am. $2. New Grace Apostolic Temple. craftingwithgrace.com

Indoor arts and crafts show featuring 60 handcrafted artisans.

[misc]

30th Birthday Party

4pm. Leslie Science & Nature Center. lesliesnc.org. Free

Come celebrate 30 years of LSNC. Hike, play and more at this family friendly blow-out bash.

Visit the raptors and enjoy live animal demonstrations, relax by the camp fire or tie dye your own LSNC shirt. Food trucks will provide vegan and vegetarian food as well as delicious sandwiches.

7:30pm. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org Free

[art]

9 sunday

12 wednesday

[lit]

An essay film which offers a unique look at the enigma of North Korea. Interweaving footage from director Soon-Mi Yoo’s three visits to North Korea together with songs, spectacle, popular cinema and archival footage, Songs From the North tries to understand the psychology and popular imagery of the North Korean people.

14 friday

[film]

Ypsilanti 24-Film Shootout

7pm. Towsley Auditorium. ypsi24.com Free

1pm. UMMA. umma.umich.edu. Free

Crazy Wisdom Poetry Workshop

The top 24 Films from the Fifth Ypsi24 Film Shootout will be screened followed by the award ceremony.

[lit]

[misc]

All writers are invited to share and discuss poetry and short fiction.

New participants please arrive at 6:45pm in order to register.

1pm. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. aahom.org. Free

Bonnie Jo Campbell, Jaimy Gordon, and Andy Mozina

Engaging with Art

UMMA docents will guide visitors through the galleries on tours as diverse as their interests and areas of expertise.

Critters Up Close

Come meet and greet some live species! Enjoy special animaloriented hands-on activities.This month the featured critters are arachnids!

[misc]

Orchids with Sam Tsui

2pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens. lsa.umich.edu/mbg. Free

Figure out why you can’t keep them alive.

10 monday

[film]

Breakfast Club

9:30pm. $10. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org

Five high school students from different walks of life endure a Saturday detention under a powerhungry principal.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off 7pm. $10. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org

Ferris Bueller has an uncanny skill at cutting classes and getting away with it. Intending to make one last duck-out before graduation, Ferris calls in sick, “borrows” a Ferrari, and embarks on a oneday journey through the streets of Chicago.

7pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room. crazywisdom.net. Free

7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free

Authors of Once Upon a River, Bogeywoman, and Contrary Motion.

13 thursday

[misc]

Black Studies and the University

6:30pm. YDL-Michigan. ypsilibrary.org.

Free

Historical talk by Dr. Melvin Peters of EMU. Part of the series of lectures put together by YDL and African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County (AACHM) to educate the public about the area’s African American history.

[lit]

John Keyse-Walker and Greg Jolley 7pm. Aunt Agatha’s. auntagathas.com. Free

Authors of Sun, Sand, Murder and Murder in a Very Small Town.

Poetry at Literati: Jordan Zandi

7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free

Join Literati in welcoming Jordan Zandi. He will be reading from his collection Solarium.

[misc]

Madam Aubergine’s Mystical Tea

7:30pm. $25-30. Ladies’ Literary Club Building. lushlapel.blogspot.com

Fairytale and mysticism tea party with tarot cards and tales of the arcane.

[stage]

Good People

8pm. $15-25. Kerrytown Concert House.

The Tony-nominated play finds humor in being out of a job in Boston. Runs through October 15.

[health]

Free Community Class

10:45pm. A2 Yoga and Nia Studio. a2yoga.net Free

All ages and levels of experience are welcome in a Nia class. A great compliment to any physical practice, especially yoga! Check back in for free community events all month long.

ecurrent.com / october 2016 37

arts & culture

Bare your soul with a story From the annual storytelling festival to the storytelling guild, Ann Arbor has a long history of performers telling a yarn on stage. The Moth Story SLAM, presented by Michigan Radio, gives non-performers a chance to share their stories with the rest of the world. This month, two different storytimes take place: Haunted tales, stories about a spooky fixation, and Hot Mess, stories about catastrophe and chaos. Stories can be funny, tragic, embarrassing, uplifting — as long as they’re entertaining or enlightening. Sharing is not mandatory for attendees, but why not get the weight off your chest? —ZM

Tuesday, October 4 and Tuesday, October 18. 6pm/door, 7:30pm/show. $10. Circus Bar and Billiards, 210 S. First St. 734-913-8890. themoth.org

15 saturday

19 wednesday

[lit]

[lit]

9am. $35. UM Angell Hall. wwaay.com

7pm. Literati Bookstore. literati.com.

Free

Women Writers of Ann Arbor/Ypsi Fall Conference A full day of workshops and readings. Deadline for workshop signup is October 1.

[art]

Fall for Art

6:30pm. Riverside Arts Center. riversidearts.org Free

20th anniversary celebration event at the RAC.

17 monday

[lit]

Bob Goldstein Discrediting the Red Scare 7pm. Nicola’s Books. nicolasbooks.com. Free

Goldstein, a professor of political science at Oakland University, tells the story of “The Legless Veteran” trying to clear his name.

Fiction at Literati: Christine Sneed and Grace Tiffany Short story and adult fiction writer, Christine Sneed, and Historical novelist, Grace Tiffany share their latest work.

20 thursday

[misc]

Jeff Brannan

8pm. $12-14. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com

Guitar-clad show warned to be rated RRR. Runs through October 22nd.

[film]

The Blues Brothers

9:30pm. $8-10. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org

SNL alums get the band back together. Don’t forget your shades.

21 friday

[misc]

Mystery Dinner Theater

38

6:30pm. YDL-Michigan. ypsilibrary.org. Free october

2016 / ecurrent.com

Solve a crime at Pizza Pete’s, get to sleuthing.

arts & culture

ETM: Electronic Tap Music Michelle Dorrance opines that tap dancing is not just dancing, but also music. The former STOMP member and 2015 MacArthur “Genius” grant awardee brings her Dorrance Dance company to the Power Center, performing excerpts from two shows—one of which includes computer connected, responsive wooden platforms in ETM:Double Down creating Electronic Tap Music. The Thursday performance also includes a Q&A with Dorrance. —JB

Thursday, October 20 and Friday, October 21. 7:30pm/ Thursday, 8pm/Friday. Power Center, 121 Fletcher St. 734-764-2538. ums.org. [stage]

[lit]

7:30pm. $43. Macomb Center for the Performing Arts. macombcenter.com

7pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room. crazywisdom.net. Free

The Capitol Steps

Watch Barack Obama sing a showtune, Nancy Pelosi belt out a rock song and Chris Christie dance a classical ballet in this political satire.

[lit]

An Evening with Nick Offerman

7:30pm. $40. The Michigan Theater. michtheater.org

Craftsman and humorist, Nick Offerman, brings a discussion about his new book Good Clean Fun: Misadventures in Sawdust at Offerman Woodshop.

22 saturday

[lit]

L.E Kimball Seasonal Roads 3pm. Nicola’s Books. nicolasbooks.com. Free

Seasonal Roads follows the rugged lives of women living in the Upper Peninsula.

24 monday

[film]

Pretty in Pink

7pm. $8-10. Michigan Theater, michtheater.org Free

As Andie starts falling for a popular guy, she begins to realizes that dating someone from a different social sphere is not easy.

Monthly Book Discussion

Join the discussion! Lies, Incorporated: The World of Post-Truth Politics by Ari Rabin-Havt.

25 tuesday

[stage]

The Giver

10am. $17-20. Macomb Centre for the Performing Arts.

The classic dystopian world focused on the Receiver of Memories. Runs through October 26.

26 wednesday

[film]

Being Mortal

5:30pm. Michigan Theater, michtheater.org Free

Investigates the practice of caring for the dying and explores the relationships between patients and their doctors.

[lit]

Crazy Wisdom Featured Reader and Open Mic

7pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room. crazywisdom.net. Free

Featured Reader performs for 50 minutes, then open mic reading for one hour. New participants please arrive at 6:45pm in order to sign up.

ecurrent.com / october 2016 39

arts & culture 27 thursday

[art]

Philip Beesley and Iris van Herpen: New Bodies, New Worlds 5pm. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org. Free

Part of the Penny Stamps Lecture Series, New Bodies, New Worlds offers a unique view of Van Herpen and Beesley’s collaborative work. Since their first conversations in 2012, Atelier van Herpen studio in Amsterdam and Beesley’s Living Architecture Systems Group have been co-creating innovative couture that has been worn by celebrities, circulated in multiple exhibitions, and hailed by global critics.

[stage] Othello

7:30pm. $17-20. Arthur Miller Theatre. a2ct.org

Shakespeare’s tale of jealousy, revenge and betrayal. Runs through October 30.

Test Batch October

7:30pm. $5. Pointless Brewery & Theater. pointlessbrew.com

Check out the newest crop of improv groups in the community.

[stage]

Screw It: Doin’ Time on the Line

Let’s make some plans

WEDDING ISSUE NOVEMBER Be sure your business is showcased in our annual guide for brides and their big day.

8pm. $15. Theatre Nova. theatrenova.org

Native Detroit actor and playwright, Tim Campos returns to the stage with the world premiere of his new one-person show Screw It: Doin’ Time on the Line. The show chronicles Campos’ near decade of personal experiences working the assembly line for Ford Motor Company in Saline, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois.

[misc]

Dave Waite

8pm. $12-14. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com

Just a little raunchy and irreverent.

Runs through October 29th.

28 friday

[misc] Bike-In

7pm. Ann Arbor Farmers Market. a2gov.org. Free

Call to advertise

734.668.4044 40

october

2016 / ecurrent.com

Come join friends and neighbors alike for a fun, slow, community bike ride through Ann Arbor.

The fun starts at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market and will continue at a leisurly pace around town, where we will “bike-in” to Top of the Park for some post-ride music, dancing, food, drink, & fun.

It Returns! Den of Darkness Haunted House 6:30pm. $5-20. Parks and Recreation. recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov.

The goblins will be haunting and the monsters will mash, it’s time to get ready for the Halloween Haunted House bash! There will be crafts, costume contest, donuts and cider, as well as candy bags. Pre-Registration by October 24.

Pride

9pm. $5-8. Necto Night Club. necto.com

The largest weekly LGBTQ party in Michigan with DJ Jace and DVJ Mark.

29 saturday

[health]

Moving Beyond Breast Cancer

9am. Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor. cancersupportannarbor.org. Free

This 6-week series is designed for women who have completed primary treatment for breast cancer.

This professionally-facilitated series includes support, education, exercise and other tools to help transition into the “new normal.”

Topics include nutrition, body image, relationships, health maintenance, lymphedema, sexuality and more. RSVP to 734-975-2500 or rosie@cancersupportannarbor. org.

[stage]

Shanghai Nights

7pm. $43. Macomb Centre for the Performing Arts. macombcenter.com

Performers straight from Beijing bring a blend of athleticism and theatrical expression with highflying trapeze, aerial balance and dance.

30 sunday

[misc]

All Souls/Day of the Dead Gathering

6pm. Episcopal Church of the Incarnation. Incarnationannarbor.org. Free

An interfaith gathering to remember and honor those who have passed on—through music, a meal, and ceremony. Vegetarian stew and tea provided. Bring photos and mementos of loved ones and a dish to pass, if you like. All are welcome.

31 monday

[stage]

Much Ado About Nothing

3pm. $15. Macomb Centre for the Performing Arts. macombcenter.com.

Shakespeare’s classic battle of the sexes.

Cannabis ecurrent.com / october 2016 41

Cannabis

Rebecca Trotman is Ann Arbor’s budtender wth all the answers

Rebecca the Budtender talks concentrates Ann Arbor’s best budtender answers questions about oil, hash and more

by Ken Wachsberger Rebecca Trotman has been called the best budtender in the State of Michigan. She graciously brushes aside the compliment with an observation and a suggestion: “It’s always really flattering when someone says that, but it honestly just brings to light that a lot of budtenders aren’t properly trained in their craft,” Trotman said. “Bud tending is more than weighing out cannabis and taking donations. In order to provide excellent care, you have got to know the intricacies of cannabis and how it metabolizes in your body.”

She also prizes the value of asking questions.

“Medication interactions with cannabis do exist and, unless your budtender knows what else you are taking, any suggestions may fall short of your expectations. A good budtender will ask you questions you never thought to answer: How prone are you to anxiety? Are you on any prescription medications? Do you have any redheads in your immediate family?”

Introducing cannabis concentrates

Concentrates are what’s left of the cannabis plant when the flowers and buds are removed through a process called extraction. Trotman, who is a budtender and concentrate specialist at Bloom City Club in Ann Arbor, explained.

“Imagine if someone processed cannabis flower through a vanilla extract machine. The material that would come out would be heavily concentrated and would vaporize without any carbon monoxide, ash or resin. This means that it’s great to use for someone who is worried about impeding lung functionality, and who has a high tolerance, or a

42

october

2016 / ecurrent.com

severe level of pain, anxiety or digestive issues. They are more effective than cannabis flower. Flower tops out at about 30% THC for potency, while concentrates top out at about 99% potency.”

Concentrates come in many forms including shatter, bubble hash, crumble wax, budder, sugar wax, CO2 and butane hash oil. According to Trotman, in determining good-quality concentrates, look for clarity and color.

“For shatter and CO2 oils, clear is king, and color is just as important. Pale gold and amber concentrates will be the most sought after. Consistency also plays a huge part. If you are familiar with the smell of butane, it can be helpful to determine how clean your concentrate is. Rub your hands together, hold your concentrate (in parchment) between your now-warm hands and open the paper. If you can smell butane being released from the heat of your hands, your concentrate was not purged properly and will likely give you a massive headache.”

Another word of caution: Make sure the flower is organic or the resulting concentrates will contain chemicals. In searching for a budtender, Rebecca urges patients to be skeptical: “You wouldn’t see a doctor who couldn’t answer questions about medications you are being given. Do not go to provisioning centers that can’t answer all of your questions. Look up what you’re being told. Ask for lab results. Your serious illness should be taken seriously. It is only when we are all united in demanding transparency in information that we can together raise the standard. Please reach out. Your success is success for all of us.”

Ken Wachsberger, editor of Bloom Blog at bloomcityclub.com, is the founder of Azenphony Press Writing and Editing.

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bloomcityclub.com ecurrent.com / october 2016 43

health

road trip

A more beautiful 5k

A cross-country take on the 5k, on the same ground where Shakespeare was performed this summer. Walk or run the scenic trails of Nichols Arboretum in the Run for the Arb, where families and leashed dogs are also welcome to join the team. All proceeds from the event go towards maintaining the beauty of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum. Registration ends Oct 14. —JB

Sunday, October 16. 9am. $25.

Nichols Arboretum, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. 734-647-7600.

30-year Detroit art installation to end Artist Tyree Guyton has been creating open air installations on Heidelberg Street in Detroit for 30 years. The Heidelberg Project, an artistic response to blight in his neighborhood, Guyton has amassed colorful collections and repainted homes. Guyton says it is time to evolve and over the next year many installations of the Heidelberg Project will be dismantled to make room for version 3.0. Make the trip for the first time or the last time. —JB 3600 Heidelberg St., Detroit.

313-97-6894. heidelberg.org

44

october

2016 / ecurrent.com

ecurrent.com

Searchable lists updated daily at

cont’d on p23

October

ARIES (March 21-April 19): What’s the difference between a love warrior and a love worrier?

Love warriors work diligently to keep enhancing their empathy, compassion, and emotional intelligence.

Love worriers fret so much about not getting the love they want that they neglect to develop their intimacy skills. Love warriors are always vigilant for how their own ignorance may be sabotaging togetherness, while love worriers dwell on how their partner’s ignorance is sabotaging togetherness. Love warriors stay focused on their relationship’s highest goals, while love worriers are preoccupied with every little relationship glitch. I bring this to your attention, Aries, because the next seven weeks will be an excellent time to become less of a love worrier and more of a love warrior.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): How will you deal with a provocative opportunity to reinvent and reinvigorate your approach to work?

My guess is that if you ignore this challenge, it will devolve into an obstruction. If you embrace it, on the other hand, you will be led to unforeseen improvements in the way you earn money and structure your daily routine.

Here’s the paradox: Being open to seemingly impractical considerations will ultimately turn out to be quite practical.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Is it possible that you’re on the verge of reclaiming some of the innocent wisdom you had as a child? Judging from the current astrological omens, I suspect it is. If all goes well, you will soon be gifted with a long glimpse of your true destiny -- a close replica of the vision that bloomed in you at a tender age. And this will, in turn, enable you to actually see magic unicorns and play with mischievous fairies and eat clouds that dip down close to the earth. And not only that: Having a holy vision of your original self will make you even smarter than you already are. For example, you could get insights about how to express previously inexpressible parts of yourself. You might discover secrets about how to attract more of the love you have always felt deprived of.

free will astrology

© Copyright 2016 Rob Brezsny

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Are you able to expand while you are contracting, and vice versa? Can you shed mediocre comforts and also open your imagination to gifts that await you at the frontier? Is it possible to be skeptical toward ideas that shrink your world and people who waste your time, even as you cultivate optimism and innocence about the interesting challenges ahead of you? Here’s what I think, Scorpio: Yes, you can. At least for right now, you are more flexible and multifaceted than you might imagine.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): I’m could shop around for a replacenot asking you to tell me about ment fear -- a new prod to keep the places and situations where you on the true and righteous you feel safe and fragile and tim- path. But you might also want to id. I want to know about where consider an alternative: the posyou feel safe and strong and sibility of drawing more of the bold. Are there sanctuaries that energy you need by feeding your nurture your audacious wisdom? lust for life.

Are there natural sites that tease LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Thank out your primal willpower and you for all the entertainment help you clarify your goals? Go to you’ve provided in the past 12 those power spots. Allow them months, Libra. Since shortly beto exalt you with their transfor- fore your birthday in 2015, you mative blessings. Pray and sing have taken lively and gallant and dance there. And maybe actions to rewrite history. You find a new oasis to excite and have banished a pesky demon incite you, as well. Your creative and repaired a hole in your soul. savvy will bloom in November if You’ve educated the most imyou nurture yourself now with mature part of yourself and nurthis magic. tured the most neglected part of LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): One of yourself. To my joyful shock, you your old reliable formulas may have even worked to transform temporarily be useless or even a dysfunctional romantic habit deceptive. An ally could be with- that in previous years had subtly holding an important detail from undermined your ability to get you. Your favorite psychological the kind of intimacy you seek. crutch is in disrepair, and your What’s next? Here’s my guess: go-to excuse is no longer viable. an unprecedented exemption And yet I think you’re going to be from the demands of the past. just fine, Leo. Plan B will prob- SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. ably work better than Plan A. 21): You Sagittarians are faSecondary sources and substi- mous for filling your cups so full tutes should provide you with all they’re in danger of spilling over. the leverage you need. And I bet Sometimes the rest of us find you will finally capitalize on an this kind of cute. On other ocadvantage that you have previ- casions, we don’t enjoy getting ously neglected. For best results, wine splashed on our shoes. be vigilant for unexpected help.

But I suspect that in the comVIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): At- ing weeks, the consequences tention! Warning! One of your of your tendency to overflow signature fears is losing its will be mostly benign -- perhaps chokehold on your imagination. even downright beneficial. So I If this trend continues, its power suggest you experiment with the to scare you may diminish more pleasures of surging and gushthan 70 percent by November 1. ing. Have fun as you escape your And then what will you do? How niches and transcend your concan you continue to plug away at tainers. Give yourself permission your goals if you don’t have wor- to seek adventures that might be too extravary and angst and dread to Homework: What most needs regen- gant for pomotivate you? eration in your life? And what are you lite company.

Now here’s I suppose you going to do to regenerate it? a helpful re-

minder from your fellow Sagittarian, poet Emily Dickinson: “You cannot fold a flood and put it in a drawer.”

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I believe that during the coming weeks you will have an extra amount of freedom from fate. The daily grind won’t be able to grind you down. The influences that typically tend to sap your joie de vivre will leave you in peace. Are you ready to take full advantage of this special dispensation? Please say YES YES A THOUSAND TIMES YES. Be alert for opportunities to rise above the lowest common denominators. Be aggressive about rejecting the trivial questions that trap everyone in low expectations. Here are my predictions: Your willpower will consistently trump your conditioning. You won’t have to play by the old rules, but will instead have extra sovereignty to invent the future.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you can expect an unlikely coincidence or two in the coming days. You should also be alert for helpfully prophetic dreams, clear telepathic messages, and pokes from tricky informers. In fact, I suspect that useful hints and clues will be swirling in extra abundance, sometimes in the form of direct communications from reliable sources, but on occasion as mysterious signals from strange angels.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You know that inner work you’ve been doing with such diligence?

I’m referring to those psychospiritual transformations you have been attending to in the dark . . . the challenging but oddly gratifying negotiations you’ve been carrying on with your secret self . . . the steady, strong future you’ve been struggling to forge out of the chaos? Well, I foresee you making a big breakthrough in the coming weeks. The progress you’ve been earning, which up until now has been mostly invisible to others, will finally be seen and appreciated. The vows you uttered so long ago will, at last, yield at least some of the tangible results you’ve pined for.

FreeWillAstrology.com.

ecurrent.com / october 2016 45

crossword Across 1. 2016 Republican candidate Donald labeled as “low energy” 4. Took care of, as a bill 8. Completely wrecks 14. Hospital ward, for short 15. Strong desire 16. Ark’s landing spot 17. No sharer 18. Sly’s emo boxer?

20. Letters from a Muslim’s deity?

22. Creature that conducts electricity 23. Regard as 24. Furniture wood 25. Military group 27. Gearwheel’s projection 29. Moviefone’s parent co.

30. Rouse Martin known for nailing tenets to a church door?

39. Step between fa and la 40. Provides a room for 41. Before, in poetry 42. “I need help getting this into English”?

45. Consumed 46. No later than 47. Plane part 50. Exotic pet choice 53. 28-Down article 56. Ace’s stat 57. Most uncomfortable place to sleep for overnight guests?

60. Wreck Italy’s capital?

63. Since 1/1: Abbr.

64. Acquire 65. Stops outside of the city 66. General known for chicken dishes 67. Sneaker company with a red triangle logo 68. Barclays Center squad 69. Wedding promise Down 1. Religious war 2. French school 3. Taps, e.g.

46

october

3

4

14

4. Bet where nobody 17 wins 5. Go for ___ (jog) 20 6. White house?

7. American rival 23 8. Catches some rays 9. “___ was crazy and could be grounded” (“Catch30 22”) 10. Eastern belief 39 11. Traveled like a grenade 42 12. Magic, famously 13. Panache 19. Pest-seeing cry 47 21. Crazy way to run 25. One doing the 56 podcast with you 26. Saison, e.g.

60 28. See 53-Across 29. Memo-routing 64 abbr.

30. Burning residue 67 31. Feeling of despair 32. Requirement 33. Small carpenter 34. Words With Friends tile: Abbr.

35. Nat. that won the most medals in the 2016 Olympics 36. Supposedly unscripted programming 37. Class where you can work on your figures 38. Born overseas 43. Golden ratio symbol 44. In ___ of 47. Furniture wood 48. Climber’s ridge 49. Prep, as a turkducken 50. “Dayum” 51. Politician Hatch 52. Unified 54. “Au contraire!”

55. Fund, as a chair 57. Policy expert 58. “Heroes in a half shell,” briefly 59. Tell all, with “up” 61. Margin setting 62. 2016 Olympics city

Music. Art. Local. Culture.

2

5

6

7

8

15

9

10

37

38

54

55

22 24

25

28

31

26

29 32

33

34

35

36

40

41

43

44

45

46

49

50

51

57 61

13

19

21

48

12

16

18

27

11

52

53 58

62

59 63

65

66

68

69

for crossword answers, go to ecurrent.com

ecurrent.com

2016 / ecurrent.com

©2016 By Brendan Emmett Quigley (www.brendanemmettquigley.com)

BACK IN SCHOOL

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for sale

------------------------------------I am selling my Brand new still in the plastic Queen mattress set for $149, Call Dan 734 680 5050

Just in time for fall fun or Christmas giving. Boys bike: $50.00. Girls bike-extras: $90.00.

Both good condition. 734-459-1112

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Services

------------------------------------Beginning Tai-Chi with SUN SHEN: Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays at 7pm. $55/mo.

2466 E Stadium Ann Arbor www.sunshen.org

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Massage: Walk-in appointments available. Free parking. Make some time for yourself! Come in stressed leave refreshed. RelaxStation.

734-623-1951​

call catherine at 734.668.4044 to sell your stuff!

------------------------------------Got Knee Pain? Back Pain?

Shoulder Pain? Get a pain-relieving brace -little or NO cost to you.

Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800-419-3684

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Events

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EDUCATION

------------------------------------Are your children interested in Astronomy?

Do they like observing the moon, planets and stars? GO TO: www.youngastronomer.org

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GIVE BLOOD - SAVE LIVES! #ChooseYourDay to donate blood.

Call 1-800-448-2543 or go to RedCrossBlood.org. Appointments preferred. Walk-ins welcome.

Threshold Choir of Ann Arbor Gift of Song Loving songs to support you in meeting life’s challenges.

Sunday, October 30, 2016 4:30-6 pm.

Free Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth, 704 Airport Blvd., Ann Arbor 734-531-7960

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HELP WANTED

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Massage Therapist: Currently hiring therapists to work at RelaxStation in downtown Ann Arbor to accommodate our already established clientele. Free parking, flexible hours, great team!

734-623-1951

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Give Hope. Become a Foster Parent. Attend a free training today to learn more! For more information: www.judsoncenter.org or 313-2558272.

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Lung Cancer? And 60 Years Old? If So, You and Your Family May Be Entitled To A Significant Cash Award. Call 800-897-7205 To Learn More. No Risk. No Money Out of Pocket.

WE ARE NOW HIRING Outside Sales Rep You know Ann Arbor. You’re hungry to join a growing, fast-paced and fun team.

You have sales experience (and if not, you’re such a great communicator that you seem to create meaningful relationships with nearly everyone). You’re reliable and accessible. You’re open to accepting constructive feedback and finding a rhythm. For you, there’s no such thing as a tough sell. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. _________________________________________________________ Art Director/ Design Guru for local niche publications Lead a production team charged with creating the go-to sources for reliable, relevant information that motivate, inform and enrich the lives of our loyal community of readers.

We’re looking for a committed graphic artist with a distinct graphic style and a impeccable command of design elements. (i.e. your taste in font usage is killer, you’re a wizard at sizing and placing art elements, you have an educated eye for design, etc.) You’re in your element leading a team and possess the ability to constructively critique others’ work. If you’re a talented art director type, hungry to set the design direction of each of our six publications, we would love to sit down and talk.

EMAIL mjacobs@ecurrent.com

ecurrent.com / october 2016 47

Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop, Inc's 2016

Veteran's Day Cash Raffle

op.org

thriftsh o t p 2 a . www

OVER $4000 IN PRIZES! #R38874

SUPPORT AAPS and its students!

GREEN

Participate in a community effort to fund student enrichment at Ann Arbor Public Schools since 1993.

WE’VE DISTRIBUTED OVER

$300,000

to AAPS & its PTOs in

2015-2016

WE’VE DISTRIBUTED OVER

$1.9 MIL

to AAPS & its PTOs since July 2008

SHOP: Mon-Fri 9am-7pm | Sat 9am-6pm | Sunday 11am-5pm DONATE: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm | Sat 10am-5pm | Sunday 12pm-4pm FIND US: 2280 S. Industrial Hwy | 734.996.9155 | a2ptothriftshop.org #,/4().' s &52.)452%s ,).%.3 s #2!&43 s "//+3 s (/53%(/,$ '//$3 s !.$ -/2%

RAFFLE!

!LL PROCEEDS SUPPORT !NN !RBOR 0UBLIC 3CHOOLS ITS 04/S AND STUDENTS

1st Prize $1000*

Available at 2280 S. Industrial Hwy. or from AAPS PTOs, teams, clubs, & groups.

RD 0RIZES s EACH

*Must be 18 or older to purchase raffle ticket License: #R38874 Licensee: Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop, Inc

ND 0RIZES s EACH PLUS 3- $100 Gift Certificates to Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop SPONSORED BY:

*One prize per winner, MUST PRESENT valid government ID to claim prizes. **All prizes subject to income tax withholding per Federal and Michigan tax regulations.

$5/ticket

DRAW DATE: November 11, 6-6:30pm

Join us at the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop!

2280 S. Industrial Hwy., Ann Arbor *Need not be present to win*